As a business owner, ensuring your employees are working efficiently and productively is essential. But there are so many things that can prevent them from being productive: social media, personal calls, browsing the internet, etc. So you must try to ensure that your employees are focused and working hard. You want them to be productive so your business can be successful.
Here are three tips to ensure your startup employees are meeting (and exceeding) your expectations.
1. Set realistic expectations from the outset.
Setting realistic expectations for your employees from the beginning is important. They will burn out quickly if you expect them to work 12 hours a day, seven days a week. Be reasonable in your expectations and give them ample time to complete tasks. If you find that they’re consistently not meeting deadlines, you can have a conversation about adjusting the scope of their work.
Some employers also like to give their employees a bit of leeway with their work hours. For instance, they may allow them to start work later in the day if they must drop their kids off at school or take care of other personal matters. This can help employees feel like they have a good work-life balance, making them more productive for longer.
Additionally, you should ensure your employees know what’s expected of them regarding tasks and deadlines. Be clear and concise in your communication, so there’s no confusion. Talk to them regularly to see how they’re progressing and give them positive and negative feedback. Discuss what they can do to improve if they’re not meeting your expectations.
2. Make sure they have the resources they need.
If your employees don’t have the necessary resources to do their jobs effectively, it will reflect in their work product. Ensure they have access to the tools, software, and information they need to do their jobs well. If they’re crammed into a small cubicle with no privacy, it will be difficult for them to focus on their work. Consider installing a comfortable office desk to give them a proper workspace and ergonomic office chairs to help them stay comfortable while working.
Additionally, if specific training courses or seminars would benefit them, consider investing in those as well. Your employees will be more productive if they feel empowered with the right resources. Teach them how to use those resources effectively and allow them to offer feedback on what else would be helpful.
You may also invest in their personal and career development if you have the resources. Most people want to feel like they’re growing in their careers, so if you can help them do that, they’ll be more likely to stick around and be productive. You can provide mentorship opportunities, for instance, or encourage them to take on new responsibilities.
3. Encourage breaks and time off.
Although it seems counterintuitive, encouraging your workers to take breaks will make them more productive. When they’re given a chance to step away from their work and take a breather, they’ll return feeling refreshed and ready to tackle their tasks with renewed vigor. In addition, it’s essential to encourage them to take vacation days and use their paid time off. This will help prevent burnout and ensure they come to work happy and healthy.
Some employers are hesitant to give their employees too much time off for fear that they’ll take advantage of it. However, if you trust your employees and have faith in their work ethic, they will likely use their time off wisely. In fact, they may even come back to work more productive than ever. But you can also create a policy that requires employees to use their vacation days, or they’ll lose them.
When taking a break, encourage your employees to do something they enjoy. This can be anything from reading a book to going for a walk outside. And if they have the opportunity to travel, even better. Travel can help them clear their heads and return to work feeling refreshed and ready to tackle their tasks. You may even want to offer a travel stipend to help cover the cost of their trip.
As a business owner, ensuring your employees are working productively is essential. By setting realistic expectations, encouraging breaks, and ensuring they have the resources they need, you can create an environment where your employees can thrive. You just have to be willing to invest in them, and your employees will do their best at work. Implement these three tips today and watch your business soar.
