| For any company, no matter its size, your employees | | | | can help to ask on occasion, for example, how the |
| are the key to business success. If you treat your | | | | kids are doing. |
| employees fairly and with respect, they will enjoy | | | | An interest in your employees creates the feeling that |
| coming into work, take pride in working for your | | | | you care, and they will not feel treated like a number |
| company and be far more likely to provide good | | | | there to just make money for you. |
| customer service. | | | | This, again, allows an employee to feel appreciated |
| A happy employee is an employee who won't "pull a | | | | and bond with your company. |
| sickie" because they don't feel like coming into work. | | | | A Good Work Environment Does Wonders |
| They will feel part of your company, feel trusted and | | | | If at all possible, allow your employees to have a drink |
| will feel a responsibility towards you. | | | | at their desk or a snack. |
| Of course, every employer has rules and guidelines to | | | | Allowing people to personalise their work space can |
| abide by, regarding the rights of their employees. But | | | | help, too, especially in a busy environment. A picture of |
| there are a few little extras you can do that can make | | | | the family, a little plant or knick-knack makes one feel |
| a huge difference, to make your employees happy, | | | | more at home, which is important when spending a lot |
| improve business efficiency, save money on sick pay | | | | of time at work. |
| and, thus, improve your company's success. | | | | Small businesses will often allow employees to dress |
| A Little Compliment Can Go a Long Way | | | | casual. If this is not possible in your company, perhaps |
| If an employee has gone out of their way to make a | | | | it could be considered to have a casual dress day |
| deadline, has taken on some additional responsibility, | | | | every now and again, at least for those who are not |
| worked hard or simply performed very well, making a | | | | dealing directly with clients. |
| compliment to show that you have noticed their | | | | Bonus |
| efforts can have a very positive effect. | | | | I was born and raised in the Netherlands. Most |
| Feeling acknowledged and appreciated in one's job is | | | | companies there follow the tradition of presenting each |
| essential. It boosts morale and the person you | | | | employee with a Christmas hamper as a "thank you" |
| complimented will feel inspired to keep up the good | | | | for their hard work throughout the year. Alternatively, |
| work. | | | | employees may receive a gift certificate or a bonus. |
| It only takes a few moments of your time to let | | | | If it is financially viable for your company to do |
| someone know you appreciate their work. The | | | | something along those lines, you will find that such a |
| effects, however, are lasting. | | | | gesture is received with appreciation. It does not have |
| Take an Interest | | | | to be anything big or expensive, it truly is the thought |
| If you are the owner of a large company, of course it | | | | that counts. |
| is all but impossible to get to know your employees to | | | | In Brief |
| the extent that you know the names of their children, | | | | A caring company, a company that recognises its |
| partners and grandchildren. It might be a good idea, | | | | employees' worth and allows people to be people, is a |
| however, to have your managers take an interest in | | | | company that works. People who are treated with |
| the lives of those they supervise. Not to the level of | | | | genuine respect will return that respect and be inspired |
| where you seem to be poking into their business, but it | | | | to great accomplishments. |