As a small business owner, your team are a crucial part of your company’s clockwork.
Meanwhile, the job market is always competitive, but now seemingly almost as much for employers as for candidates.
That’s why good staff are like gold dust. And when you find them, it’s important to keep them happy, treat them well and give them a reason to stay. With that in mind, these are just four ways to strengthen your team as individuals (and a collective) to maximise productivity and job satisfaction and reduce attrition rates in your company.
- Know when to outsource
Demand is a funny thing – sometimes there’s just a little too much for your existing team, but not quite enough to justify hiring another person.
On the other hand, it’s also good to bring new skills into the business to promote growth and evolution, and exploring new avenues can take your business to new strengths. Consider connecting with external teams. For instance, if you’re considering digital marketing, think about working with an agency, such as Maratopia. Alternatively, reach out to freelancers to balance your workload if the strain is becoming too much for your team to handle – you’d be surprised how many skills can be tasked to freelance talents.
Many hands make light work, and by taking some of the burden from your team’s hands, you’ll free up their working capacity and help to alleviate stress.
- Team building exercises
Everyone claims they hate team building events.
But in reality, they can be a great opportunity for teams to get to know one another and build strong working relationships.
Think carefully about what your staff are likely to enjoy. A meal out is a simple but effective suggestion, whilst exciting activities like paintballing or axe throwing (an unusual activity increasing in popularity thanks to venues like Whistle Punks) are likely to capture people’s imaginations.
These activities can be great for morale and will make your team feel appreciated as well as connected.
- Set goals together – and work towards them
Give your team the opportunity to set not only their goals, but goals for the business. Give them a chance to offer their input and make them part of the entrepreneurial process.
By encouraging collaboration in this way, you’ll ensure everyone understands the aims of the business and help to motivate them
- Check in regularly
It’s always good to be attuned to how your team are feeling. Regular check-ins will give them a chance to talk about anything in work that may be bothering them, and help them to feel they can bring their issues to you.
Plus, frequent reviews and open conversations about training and development, future opportunities and salary will build trusting relationships between you and your team. These are also a chance to tackle dissatisfaction and handle potential problems before they occur.
Build a stronger team and secure solid professional relationships with your staff with these four tips.