Your employees are one of the most important parts of your business. They literally keep it going and you couldn’t function without them. So it makes sense that employers should always focus on looking after their employees. One way to boost morale is to make sure your employees feel appreciated.
Here Are a Few Tips to Help You Do This:
1. Listen to Them
If you aren’t sure about whether or not your employees are happy, there’s a really easy way to find out. Just ask.
Admittedly, some people might feel uncomfortable if you ask them straight out about their problems with your workplace, but there are ways to find out more. Some people will tell you about their concerns as long as you listen, so keep an ear out for complaints and suggestions. Ensuring that employees feel appreciated can also encourage them to open up more willingly.
Otherwise, you can allow your employees to use an anonymous survey or suggestions system. If they’re concerned about repercussions for some reason, this will make them feel more comfortable about being honest with you.
Finally, be observant. Look out for potential warning signs like a refusal to engage or a drop in production. Rather than being harsh on your employees, look for ways to help and support them.
2. Pay Rises
It might seem obvious, but one of the main reasons that employees feel unappreciated is a lack of pay rises or bonuses. Most people are experiencing a crunch, which means they can’t afford to keep up with a rising cost of living with a stagnant wage.
If your company is able to afford it, consider raises and bonuses for your employees. People work to earn money at the end of the day and, if you repeatedly refuse to reward employees, they will find their money elsewhere.
One way to work out an appropriate wage is to keep an eye on the market rate for employees. It’s common to provide a small percentage raise each year, as well as a bonus at the end of the year, especially if the company has done well.
3. Breaks and Flexibility
People aren’t machines, which means they can’t work like machines. They have needs and other priorities as well. One of the best things a company can do for their employees is to be flexible. Employees feel appreciated when their needs are considered.
If people need to work from home or they need time off, try to find ways to accommodate them. This means that your employees are happier and more able to manage their work and their lives, and happy employees are more productive employees.
4. Recognition
People want to feel as though their hard work is noticed and pays off. But they don’t know unless you tell them.
You can use tools like Bonusly’s employee recognition software to keep track of employee performance and to set incentives and rewards. This makes it easier for larger companies and busy employers to ensure that their employees feel appreciated and noticed. This will help them to be more motivated and happy to work.
