Employee burn out is seen all too often in workplaces of all industries. Between kids, spouses, and extra-curricular activities in addition to their work, employees can easily find themselves feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
Even as a CEO, sometimes it can be easy to lose the daily drive to get things done.
But, as the CEO, you help set the morale for the entire workplace – therefore, the kind of tone and level of productivity you desire to see in your team, should be what you demonstrate to them in your own work ethic.
All it takes are a few changes in how things are done to quickly boost productivity and create a happier, healthier workplace for all involved.
If you find your team needs a little “pick me up,” try incorporating some of these productivity boosting tips into your workplace:
- Lay out clear responsibilities and goals.
Clarity begins with defining the goals and set operations of the business as a whole. Then, it continues by ensuring each individual employee is aware of their specific goals designed to reach that ultimate goal.
CEOs should set clear goals and expectations from day one, then ensure that these are trickled down from the managers to the individual employees. Complete regular check-ins to make sure everyone is meeting their goals in a timely manner.
Regular check-ins are also a great time to address any issues or concerns regarding the specific tasks of each employee.
Pro Tip: Try using something like smart card technology as means for easy storage and access to company data – such as goals and tasks.
- Be transparent and authentic.
Your employees are smart – they can easily tell when their executive is being dishonest or insincere.
By nurturing authenticity and transparency in your office, you inadvertently encourage employees to trust you and give them confidence that you have their best interest in mind.
This also creates an open-door feel for if they ever have any issues and also helps prevent theft in the workplace.
Pro Tip: Try incorporating fireside chats in your office – just have a friendly conversation with your employees, getting to know them better and allowing them to get to know you.
- Foster professional development.
Employees are less likely to start looking elsewhere when they feel as though they are valued at their job.
By fostering and encouraging your employees to excel professionally, you encourage them to stay with the company longer, to gain more knowledge and therefore, to better help your company overall.
However, professional development has become an expectation for employees. Instead, offer a place where employees can see themselves naturally growing and progressing through promotions, raises and other incentives.
- Encourage coworkers to become friends.
One of the best ways to improve company morale is by fostering friendships between your employees.
Consider how much time employees spend together – it is as much or more time than they spend with their families.
But keep in mind – don’t force office friendship, simply create a healthy environment for it to grow in.
Pro Tip: Try organizing team functions regularly and have your employees participate in a few team building exercises to get to know each other better.
- Offer incentives and provide recognition.
Between day-to-day operations, incentives and employee recognition can easily fall through the cracks.
Employees are much more inclined to work harder when they feel appreciated and know they have something to work toward.
Pro Tip: Bonuses are a great option, but also consider non-monetary incentives, such as an extra day of PTO.
Productivity boils down to the morale of the office and the environment you create.
Now, go out there and encourage your team to be the best they can be!