Business Management

Culture at its best

For many employees their job is more than a paycheck. In order to keep employees engaged and committed to success it is important for owners to focus on maintaining a positive work environment and culture. Here are techniques to consider:

1.     Empower employees

 As an owner, you can stay in close touch with your staff but you can't be in the thick of it all the time. Instead, you need to encourage employee involvement and be willing to step aside as they take control.

When employees drive the product direction and culture, they feel more vested in it and loyal to the products they help create.

2.     Limit Meetings

Use meetings as necessary but limit participation to those who are directly involved in the issue. Encourage more ad hoc discussions where employees are authorized to implement decisions.

Hold periodic broadly based meetings where all staff can join in and brief the entire company on their current activity. Treat staff to lunch at these broader based meetings.

3.     Make it comfortable

Physical space and comfortable, modern equipment in an attractive location are valuable assets to improve employee morale. These are assets when recruiting also.

4.     Make jobs fun

Take the opportunity to host monthly activities for employees to relax. Holiday parties, picnics, “fun Fridays” are common options used to provide downtime for employees and make them feel like part of the family. Providing break time improves staff’s ability to focus and improves overall productivity.

5.     Be selective

In order to maintain a positive culture be selective with every new hire. Ensure new employees fit and can become a positive team player and contributor. Bad apples can spoil the environment quickly.

As you continue to build and maintain your culture, efforts in these areas can pay dividends on a continuing basis.