When times are tough and money is tight, companies often focus on reducing corporate costs rather than looking at areas that can be improved to generate additional business.
At times like this, many managers forget the importance of staff morale and engagement, and fail to realise that cuts in the workforce can have a major impact on the performance of staff that remain.
With a little thought and input from management and staff, it is possible to maintain or enhance engagement and create a passionate, hard-working team that is committed to growth and improvement in line with the corporate vision.
Here are four low cost ideas that can help you maintain the engagement in your business when money is tight (and in particular when redundancies have been made) :
- Share the vision. Ensure that your staff are clear about the company vision, and how they can play a part in achieving its successful execution. Show how far you will go when people help your company succeed. If there are disappointments, share those too. Be open and honest, and most importantly, be consistent.
- Recognise the positives. Turn your business into a culture where praise and positive feedback is given for great work and discretionary effort. It costs nothing, but it can mean a lot to the recipient. The higher up the management structure this praise comes from the better, and best of all it is free. Often, the best form of praise is when it is done in front of others because it motivates the rest of the team to achieve similar results, but a quiet, one on one “well done for a great job” comment on performance that is timely and sincere can go a long way.
- Build reputations. Promote your top performers’ strengths and contributions and let them know that because of their excellent work you want them to be the role model for others. They are likely to remain motivated and continue to live up to their reputation as a great performer.
- Be spontaneous. When you see great behaviour or experience a fantastic piece of work delivered by one of your staff or project team, give them positive feedback and reward them. Take that person out to lunch, buy a round or drinks or purchase some doughnuts to celebrate a team success, or let them go home early. It doesn’t have to cost the earth, and the expense to the business can be significantly lower than the perceived value to the recipient.
Brownie Points delivers the tools to engage, inspire and reward staff to ensure that behaviours are aligned with the corporate vision, especially when times are tough and money is tight.
Positive recognition and feedback reinforces the behaviours you want to see, aligning behaviour with your corporate vision.
At Brownie Points we are working with thought leading organisations around the world to tailor employee feedback and recognition programs that have a positive impact on the bottom line.
With our growing network of national and international alliance partners we are helping our clients deliver cost effective employee recognition programs to improve their business.
To learn how Brownie Points could make a difference to your business, call the team today on + 61 (3) 9909 7411 to discuss your plans, or for more information or to arrange a free demonstration email us at info@browniepoints.com.au
