Your employees are everything; you can say they’re the lifeblood of your business. While you did start your business, it’s been your team who has been continuing it. Without them, would your business even survive? Would it even keep up with demand if only you were available? Chances are, it wouldn’t. It’s your employees that help make the business run smoothly.
While, in many cases, the work culture over the last few years has been alarming and toxic, and some even boast about making work culture into a cult (definitely a no-no), it’s important to put your employees first. Employees are rightfully standing up for themselves from the Great Resignation to Quiet Quitting. They want to be treated better and get paid the wage they deserve. So, here are ways to fight against this ridiculous toxic work culture and put your employees first!
Start By Listening to Them
Just because you own the business doesn’t mean everything should go your way. You wanted employees, which means you wanted a team, not a group, to bark at and tell them what to do. Teams are all about listening to each other, caring about each other, and putting each other first. If you don’t listen to your employees, they will move to a company that does. And, if you don’t listen to them, it clearly indicates that whatever they say doesn’t matter. Listen to your team, take them seriously, and help them when they need support.
Have a Good Payroll System
You’d be surprised to know how often some companies struggle to pay their employees. Team members shouldn’t worry about when they’ll get their next paycheck; they should already be confident in that and how much they’re getting. If you’re struggling, you may want to look into moving to managed payroll models. A managed payroll might help make paying employees easier and less hectic.
Give Your Team the Tools They Need
Employees are the face of your business and a key ingredient in creating a positive company culture. However, they can only do their best work when they are equipped with the proper tools. While this may seem obvious, it’s something many leaders overlook. For example, when employees lack the necessary equipment or resources, it increases their frustration and stress levels. As a result, productivity and engagement suffer.
You can’t expect businesses to expand when you have outdated tools or lack tools overall. For your employees to not struggle and find happiness in their work (as well as fight off competition), you will need to keep up with tools and technology. Sometimes, saving money is fine, but it shouldn’t jeopardize your business.
Show Them Recognition
Employee recognition is one of the most critical elements of a healthy work culture and for mental health. It boosts engagement, connects employees to the company’s values and mission, elevates performance, reduces burnout, and increases the likelihood that employees will stay with the organization. If they’re not getting recognized, you can count on them eventually leaving. They’re working hard; you notice this and reward them for their efforts.
Your team is a significant reason why you stay in business. Take care of your team, and the team will take care of you. Here’s to YOUR success!
Carolyn R. Owens is an ICF-certified Master Coach and serves as a Career Strategist, Executive, Leadership, and Mentor Coach. She can assist you by helping you up-level your skills to up-level your income, career, business, or life. Carolyn provides one-on-one and group coaching, organizational training, and personality assessments. She is certified to give the Energy Leadership Index and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Assessment. You can learn more about assessments and other products and services at https://www.infinitycoaching.net.
