Everything your company does on a daily basis either adds value and supports your mission or takes away from it. This is true across all industries, and we know full well that the workweek can become a little stale or mundane at times. In fact, a study by Emerald Insight found that the more satisfied working professionals are with their work-life balance, the more engaged they are.
As a leader, it is important to keep things fresh by creating practical ways to cultivate a more positive work environment for your employees. A safe and enjoyable workplace is one that prioritises employee well-being, trust, communication and appreciation.
Keep reading to learn how you can make an instant positive impact on your organisation starting today. In this article, we at Shoes For Crews are going to share five of our top tips on how to create this type of sentiment in a sustainable and long-lasting way.
1. Listen to your employees and let their voices be heard
The first way you can make an instant impact is by keeping your door open to your staff. A simple conversation can help raise awareness about an issue or address a safety concern. Listening to employees and allowing them to let their voices be heard is essential. As a manager, it is important to practise active listening whenever your employees vocalise their concerns, make a request or share an idea. Taking the time to engage in meaningful dialogue can result in an immediate change in their demeanour and morale.
2. Commit to continuous training and improvement
It is easy to get caught up with focusing on short-term goals, but there is a quick method you can implement to help shift your focus. Ask yourself at the beginning of each day, ‘How can I best support our employees?’
Nevertheless, it is equally important to set your employees up for long-term success, which will yield even greater results for your company. Training as well as personal and professional development are all key components for success. By providing them with learning and continuous training opportunities, you will in turn help your staff grow and develop their skills. Show your employees how to set clear goals, identify their most important activities and then encourage them to tackle their biggest tasks first. This is a simple yet powerful method that you can implement and see immediate positive results in return.
3. Reward and acknowledge excellent work
A kind word or acknowledgement of a job well done can go a long way and help boost morale in both the short and long term. If you look after your staff, this support will be passed on to your customers. Monetary and non-monetary rewards are essential parts for building lasting engagement and motivation. Some examples of rewards are:
- Saying “Thank You”
- In-person recognition
- A monetary bonus
- An award or certificate of completion
- Discounts or perks
4. Lead by example
A company’s culture is instilled from the top down. This means that it is not enough to talk about the importance of a positive working environment if you do not live it. As a leader, your actions should set an example of how you want your people to work and approach their tasks. If you want a more comfortable workspace, more time to take breaks and more training and development, your employees should be given the same tools.
For employees who spend a lot of time standing, provide them with sit/stand chairs or stools. Allowing your team members to take a break will not only provide much-needed relief but will also help their workwear last longer. What is more, if your staff works more than six hours at a time, remember that they are entitled to an uninterrupted break of at least 20 minutes.
5. Equip your team with high-quality, workwear and slip-resistant outsoles
We know you prioritise safety and comfort which is why we strive to provide workwear that does not compromise on either. Small repetitive actions can lead to muscle or joint stiffness and slowed circulation, especially if your staff spends the majority of their days in static positions such as sitting or standing.
Our slip-resistant safety shoes offer the perfect balance of comfort and support, which can significantly improve the health and well-being of your employees. This, in turn, can boost their energy levels and overall performance. Over time, this level of cushioning can provide tremendous benefits and help create the kind of positive work environment you want.
At Shoes For Crews, we provide the optimal cushioning you trust to get your employees through their most stressful days with a smile on their faces. With our patented slip-resistant technology, employees across a wide variety of industries worldwide will benefit from the highest levels of safety.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about our styles, please contact one of our experts to receive a free sample pair. Or download our Catalogue to find the style that will fit your industry’s needs.
