Since lethargic employee performance is not beneficial to your business, let’s figure out some simple approaches to get the most out of your employees.
Seven Performance Approaches Yield Improved Employee Performance
1. Employee – Employer Communications
Employees are happier when their duties and responsibilities are closely aligned with their perceived roles. This is about what they feel will give them a higher level of satisfaction. If you talk to them, they will often tell you about their career aspirations and goals.
We all know there are times when business needs to supersede personal requirements on the job. In these cases, you can usually get a solid buy-in with sincere communications. Most people are reasonable and understand there are times when sacrifices must be made. This interaction leads to higher employee performance in the long term.
2. Truthful Communications
Be truthful with all employees in business communications and about decisions made at higher levels. People can tell when they are not getting the full story. When this occurs, very little positive results come about, and it usually leads to negative feelings. Or, existing negative attitudes are reinforced and it tends to become a downward spiral.
3. Skill Utilization
Many employees have skill sets that are not being used either fully or at all. This is where processes that let you know about these hidden skills can be valuable. Dig in, ask questions, let the team know what skill sets you’re needing and maybe you’ll be surprised with what lurks in your team.
Your business can save substantially if it prevents hiring or outsourcing the work to someone who is much more expensive.
4. Open Lines of Communication
All of us have the need to know we have a voice at work. So open lines of communication are essential for good morale. Sometimes high frustration levels build, and an employee may want to vent a little and make you aware of a situation. If needed, make a culture change if communications have not been a strong point in your company.
5. Process Efficiency
Your business may have the most inefficient and exasperating processes that make people want to scream every day. The only problem is you don’t know about it. Or, even worse, you do and feel it is something they can live with. It is your business, but you know that a situation and high emotional reactions only get in the way of maximum performance.
6. Reward & Recognition
Identify positive contributors in your organization and reward them. We all like to be recognized regardless of what it is. There are so many ways to implement a program of rewards and recognition. Some businesses started an employee of the month program. Their reward was public recognition at a monthly meeting, and they were given the best parking space for the entire month. It was well received and cost nothing to implement. And yet the program met its goals of improved employee performance.
7. Training
Lastly, how well trained are your employees? Or if they are trained, do you provide training for updating their skills? This is where you will have to assess the needs and status of your business. Identifying areas for training and improving skills will repay your business with improve employee performance for years to come.