When times are tough and money is tight, as many businesses are experiencing today in these extremely unusual times, companies often focus on reducing corporate costs rather than looking at areas that can be improved to generate additional or more cost effective business.
At times like this, many managers forget the importance of staff morale, and how engaged and motivated employees can make a difference 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 creativity from management and staff, it is possible to maintain or enhance morale and create a passionate, hard-working team that is committed to growth and improvement with minimal or NO increase in operational costs.
Here are four low cost ideas that can help you maintain the morale and drive engagement in your business when money is tight (and in particular when redundancies have been made):
1.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.
2.Recognise the positives. Turn your business into a culture where praise is given for great work. It costs nothing but 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” can go a long way.
3.Build reputations. Promote your top performers’ strengths and let them know that because of their excellent work you want them to be the role model for others. They will remain motivated and continue to live up to their reputation as a great performer.
4.Be spontaneous and sincere. When you see great behaviour or experience a fantastic piece of work delivered by one of your staff or project team, recognise and reward them, but ensure you are sincere in your praise. 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 and the discretionary effort it will generate will more than cover any reward costs.
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.
Brownie Points is 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 alliance partners, we offer cost effective solutions for any business.
At Brownie Points we believe recognising great performance and giving positive feedback really works… and we can make it work for you.
To learn how Brownie Points could make a difference in your business, call the team today on + 61 (3) 9909 7411 and book a free demonstration, or for more information email us at info@browniepoints.com.au
