As a small business, there will be periods of brisk business and there will also be periods of bad business. When things are looking up, employees will be more productive, motivated, and you will enjoy a generally high morale around the workplace. This mood, however, may change when business is looking down. The reality is employees will not be motivated to work as hard and positively as they usually do. Some of them may even begin to look for alternative employment! So how does one respond to this type of challenge?
Below are a few tips you can implement in order to motivate your valuable workforce during times of low business and uncertainty.
1. Communicate with them
The rumour mill will be very active during times of bad business and so, it is possible that your employees will be misinformed about what is really going on. At the same time, pretending as if everything is fine will not encourage employees, who are perceptive and will almost certainly know that all is not well in the business. Clearly communicating the reasons for the low business and the strategies that are being implemented to alleviate the problems, will offer them a sense of stability and trust in their employer. In addition, they will know how valuable their contribution is to help the business weather the storm and override the downturn.
2. Have some fun!
It may seem small, but getting your employees to smile during times of bad business will help them relax, maintain their positive attitude and joy. A simple volleyball tournament on a Saturday, or a Friday afternoon tea party can give them a chance to smile and forget about work troubles. Also allowing them the welcome opportunity to reconnect as individuals and unite as a team is a great idea. They will feel rejuvenated and have the opportunity to almost "re-develop" their love for the business.
3. Find out what they have to say
Involving employees in the "strategy meetings" when planning on improving the business, can be a very fruitful exercise. Not all of them are willing to come forth and suggest ideas to you, so providing them with a safe and credible platform may surprisingly allow many ground-breaking ideas on boosting the business, to come to the fore! Recognising their ideas publicly will also make them feel valued and respected, again motivating them to work hard and push through the tough times.
4. Allow employees to measure their performance, and reward them
By having key performance indicators that allow employees to measure their performance against, they will be able to clearly see how well they are doing. They will also be motivated to achieve the targets set for them by management through these indicators. Now, rewarding them for doing well, whether it is verbally or with a shopping voucher, will create even further incentive for healthy competition – yet again letting them feel appreciated; keeping them optimistic and excited about work too!
It's easy to overlook these fundamental guidelines during times of tough business. However, factoring in these tips with your recovery plan will enable you to help your employees focus on the future as opposed to the immediate challenges only. Your aim is not to avoid dealing with pressing issues, but to avoid magnifying it above your overall growth plan and linked objectives. Open communication and rewards are also pivotal, and if used effectively will keep your staff motivated and focused on your strategic growth plan in the face of the most difficult times!