By Kyle Allerton
Businesses that have ambitious goals need to build a team with a strong work ethic. Employees who possess this trait have higher levels of productivity, need less supervision on day-to-day activities and can be relied upon to consistently deliver high quality work.
The following article provides some useful tips on how to improve your team’s work ethic and turn your organization into a well-oiled machine that your staff will value working for.
Value Your Employees & Show It
This speaks to the basic human element of wanting to know that you matter and are appreciated by those around you. That same principle can be transferred to the workplace. Employees want to know they are valued and that their contributions make a difference. Studies have shown that 79% of people who leave their jobs in search of greener pastures do so due to the ‘lack of appreciation’ they feel from their employers.
Businesses can show this sought-after appreciation in a variety of ways. A few of these are provided below.
· Flexibility in the workplace.
· Recognition for great performance.
· Two-way communication between staff and management.
· Worthwhile benefits – monetary or non-monetary.
· Constructive feedback.
Doing so will lead to a highly motivated workforce that will go the extra mile to firstly achieve and thereafter maintain the highest standards of professionalism and performance.
Empower Your Staff & Avoid Micromanagement
Enabling staff to take ownership of their work is a great way to continuously improve your business. Employee empowerment starts with a strong company culture that encourages buy-in from the entire organization. When employees are afforded the responsibility of being able to make decisions, there is a level of trust at play, that goes both ways. Management will be confident that any tasks will be completed to a high standard and workers will rely on their training and established company processes to deliver the expected results.
Business organizations can empower their employees in a number of different ways. This includes:
· Delegating work to develop staff skills.
· Communicating company expectations clearly from the outset.
· Providing the tools that staff require for success.
· Encouraging staff input and supporting new ideas.
Teams that are empowered are solution-oriented, innovative and driven, which is vital for the long-term, sustainable growth of your business.
Set S.M.A.R.T. Goals That Will Challenge and Inspire
SMART goals refer to objectives that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-related. When companies set SMART goals that are challenging as well it provides workers with an opportunity to really apply themselves and stay committed to the task at hand. A workforce that is engaged in this way is more accountable, making for a healthy working environment.
Some helpful tips to keep in mind when setting SMART objectives are provided below:
· Focus on what you can control, but ensure there’s a contingency plan in place.
· Ensure you keep the bigger picture front and center of your planning.
· Factor in regular updates in order to effectively track progress and make necessary adjustments.
· Provide clarity on the team’s make up and the different roles that need to be carried out within it.
When a plan is seen through from its creation all the way to successful completion your employees are more likely to experience fulfillment, which can act as a catalyst for the desire of further professional development.
By implementing these 3 methods as part of your company’s standard operating procedure you will be well on your way to improving your team’s work ethic and optimizing their efficiency in the process.
