Though there are a variety of management styles, there are certain practices that create a happy and constructive work environment for employees. If you are looking for ways to reignite your employees’ passion for your company, incorporate these business management tips into the below five areas.
1. Benefits
Not only are benefits the reason a valuable candidate might choose your company, but it is also a reason good employees stick around. The better and vaster the benefit options, the greater your chances of snagging and keeping quality employees.
The foundation of the benefits package should include medical, dental, vision and a retirement plan. Make sure you have a handout or presentation thoroughly explaining these options. If someone has an upcoming major surgery or a Roth IRA they want to utilize, they need to know the ins and outs of what you offer.
While retirement and health options are a given for most benefits packages, many companies are going a step further by offering employees a variety of other perks. Free food, spa treatments, unlimited paid time off and allowing pets at work are some of the fun extras businesses provide for staff. Offer unique perks to show your staff you truly care about them on a personal level.
2. Flexible Schedule
While the typical 8-5 schedule is common in the workplace, it is far from ideal for many employees. Most individuals have responsibilities outside of work, such as kids, parents, other jobs, volunteering or extracurricular activities. To promote a healthy work-life balance, allow staff to have a flexible schedule.
A flexible schedule gives employees more control over what hours they work. How much independence they have is up to you. Maybe a flexible schedule means you allow staff members to pick a timeframe that works for them, such as 6-3 or 10-7. Perhaps your staff is salaried and you do not feel the need to track what hours they work, so long as they are turning in quality work on time.
Whatever the details of your flexible schedule policy, allow leeway when it comes to appointments. Healthcare appointments, kid’s concerts and school dropoff and pickup are all common personal commitments. Allow staff to make up the hours missed later in the week rather than forcing them to use PTO.
3. Remote Work
Allowing employees to work remotely gives them a feeling of independence. Plus, it also gives you more options when trying to fill an open position. Maybe there is a person who is a fantastic fit but lives too far away to commute every day. Allowing remote work now makes it possible for this candidate to apply for the job.
Remote work can also save money on utilities since fewer people are in the office. Evaluate the teams and their responsibilities to determine if remote work is possible on a part-time or full-time basis.
4. Open Door Policy
Having an open-door policy encourages your employees to come to you with any questions, comments or concerns. It shows them you want a steady flow of communication between yourself and the staff. Remind them on a regular basis that your door is open should someone have anything they want to discuss. Though it might throw off your schedule for the day, take the time to prioritize speaking with your employees.
5. Feedback
Ask employees for their feedback on a regular basis. This shows that you value their opinions. Plus, it also provides valuable feedback on what is working well and where there is room for improvement.
Meet with employees once or twice a year to review performances and get feedback on how they feel management is performing. If you have weekly, biweekly or monthly one-on-ones with staff members, this is also a great time to request feedback. Be sure to ask for comments specifically after new policies come out or a project wraps up.
No matter what your management style, prioritizing your employees is a key part of successful management. Doing so creates a happier work environment for your staff, which in turn helps your company retain hard-working employees.
