By Anita Ginsburg
An apathetic group of employees can bring even the most successful business to a grinding halt. Read ahead for a quick glimpse at six proven tactics for creating a positive and productive work environment.
- Identify Unhappy Employees. The first thing to do is take a look at your current team and decide which, if any, are currently unhappy. Not only will unmotivated and unhappy employees be unproductive themselves, but they could also infect the rest of your team. If certain employees are too far removed from your company, then it might be time to let them go.
- Skip the Busywork. Even your best workers will second-guess their commitment to the company if they are being forced to carry out busywork. You and your managers should always come up with projects that actually provide value to the company instead of tasks to keep your team busy.
- Show Your Appreciation Frequently. There is practically no drawback to showing your employees that you appreciate their work as often as possible. This can be as simple as a quick email at the end of the day or taking them out for a bite to eat after an especially difficult project.
- Set Group Goals. Every employee that works for you should not only understand their own responsibilities within the company, but also some of the larger goals that you are moving toward. Having clear goals that everyone can focus on will create a sense of teamwork and camaraderie that will be invaluable to your company.
- Hire Employees With Diverse Backgrounds. Having a diverse group of employees could actually be a big part of maintaining a motivated team. An employee with credentials such as an online master’s degree in applied psychology can help you come up with ideas to improve morale and give you a unique perspective on the work environment.
- Set the Tone. In the end, it is going to be the management that sets the tone for the entire office. An unhappy team leader is not going to inspire even the most motivated employees. The business owner and their managers should attempt to project a positive and enthusiastic attitude from the moment that they step into the office.
The contributions made by a motivated workforce can be staggering, and investing in your employees remains one of the most cost-effective ways to keep your company moving forward.
Anita Ginsburg is a freelance writer from Denver, CO and often writes about business, finance, education and home. She graduated from Colorado State University in 2004. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family when she isn’t writing.
