As a manager, keeping your employees on track to complete projects and meet goals efficiently is critical. However, it’s also important to foster an environment your staff will want to work in. Here are three tips for building a positive work environment.
Be Empathetic
Your employees are workers with a job to do for your company, but they’re also people with their own lives and needs. Encourage your staff members to communicate with you — ask how things are at home, try to remember the names of any loved ones they mention and be understanding if emergencies arise. If certain employees have commitments for their children or spouses, be open-minded and help them develop a work schedule that will allow them to get everything done.
Encourage Your Staff to Flourish
Studies have shown that poor management is one of the biggest culprits for employees leaving the workplace. People are more inclined to work harder and better when they feel appreciated and respected, so give them a chance to perform duties that best suit their current skills as well as opportunities to learn new ones. Above all, don’t be afraid to praise employees for a job well done or offer help if they’re struggling with a task.
Take Employee Concerns Seriously
If your employees approach you with a concern, it means they trust you and have confidence that you can help them find a solution. Don’t break this trust — take their concerns seriously and do your best to help them fix the issue. Whether it’s meeting a deadline, technical errors, a misunderstanding or problems with another employee, it’s your job as a manager to provide your staff with a safe and positive workspace.
By showing empathy, encouragement and good communication in the workplace, your employees will respect you more as a manager, and workplace efficiency is likely to boost as a result. Remember: take care of your staff and your staff will take care of you.
