Source: @hannahbusing
When you run a business, you’ll eventually take on staff to help you with the workload. Sure, business owners tend to take on a lot of work themselves when they first start out in order to reduce spending and stick within budget. Then, they may move onto outsourcing, as this is low commitment but brings the expertise and equipment required to complete specific tasks that the owner can’t complete themselves. Eventually, the business will make sufficient sales for a business owner to justify bringing full time staff on board. There are perks to this. You gain a team who are dedicated to your brand and can complete ongoing projects on a daily basis, week in and week out. Of course, if you’re going to take employees on board, you’re going to have to make sure that you’re treating them well. At the end of the day, they are the backbone of your company and the individuals driving your profit. Here are a few ways that you can show them the support that they need.
Personal Development and Training
Offering opportunities for development and training can not only help your staff to feel appreciated and as though they are progressing in their career, but it can also benefit your business, as they’ll be more competent in their role too. Make sure to offer development and training on an ongoing basis. Ask your staff where they’d like to grow and improve and then create a personal development plan for each individual, investing in courses and professional guidance that can help them to achieve their goals.
Team Building
Teams need to work well together. Sure, individual brilliance is desirable. But at the end of the day, your business is like a clock and all of the different cogs have to turn together to make things work. Of course, not everyone will automatically bond or break the ice - especially of individuals aren’t in direct contact with one another often. You may need to take some intervention and implement some team building activities. There are countless ways to do this, from short coffee breaks and chats to full day activities.
Personal Matters
Sometimes, employees may struggle with personal matters. It’s a good idea to provide compassionate leave during these times. Perhaps they are unwell. Perhaps a family member or dependent is unwell. Maybe they are experiencing burnout. They may have lost someone close to them. Providing time off to not worry about work is extremely important. If you want to go above and beyond, you could also offer support in the form of therapy, substance abuse training for employee, and more, relevant to their individual position.
Progression and Advancement
Nobody wants to feel stagnant in their role. It’s important that you offer a genuine opportunity for progression and advancement in your workforce. This means genuine, regular salary reviews that increase pay for those who are hitting targets and performing well. It can include promotions into more senior positions with time and experience at the company or achieved qualifications.
These are just a few ways to support your employees. Take each on board and see if you can implement it!
