As a business owner, you’ve got some expectations for your staff, and that’s completely understandable! However without the right guidance, things can quickly go south. Here are some pointers to help your team do better in the workplace.
Manners
When it comes to your company’s growth and development, your employees’ manners are crucial. If a customer encounters poor manners or impoliteness on the part of a member of staff, it will reflect negatively on their decision to use your service again. In other words, even if your prices are the lowest in town, a buyer who is treated rudely by a member of your staff will be less inclined to return to or promote your corner shop. Take some time to consider your company’s image and the manner in which your employees should interact with clients. Whenever you hire a new employee, make sure they uphold the high standards you’ve set for them. Organize a meeting with your coworkers and lay out your vision for how things should be done. You should let your employees know that if nothing changes after the discussion, disciplinary action will be taken. There are, of course, going to be moments when you’re faced with an unpleasant or difficult customer. Teach your employees how to handle themselves if they become unreasonable in their demands.
Training
In order to do a good job, you must ensure that your employees are adequately trained. Encouraging them to learn more about CPR training could help them save a life, regardless of the type of business you work in. Not only could it help your customers and your business, but it will also make sure that your employees are safe while they work. If they don’t know how to use a machine correctly, it could be dangerous and you could get sued for a lot of money. Giving your employees any extra training you can give them will also put your business ahead of the rest. Customers will come to you if you can provide something that your competitors cannot. You should also encourage training that helps your team boost productivity in a way that actually sticks. Not the kind of training where everyone sits in a room half asleep, but practical learning that makes their day easier and helps them feel more confident doing their job.
Equipment
To ensure that your employees provide the best possible service, it is essential that the equipment in the workplace is kept up to date. Clients will likely go to another cafe if your coffee equipment is obsolete and can’t accomplish certain things that newer ones can. Keep up to date on new equipment that is being released so that you can ensure that your company is providing the greatest service possible to its clientele. Service your equipment on a regular basis to catch any small issues before they grow into something more serious (and pricier!). Also, make it clear who is responsible for equipment checks. If everyone assumes someone else is doing it, then nobody does it, and you only realize something is broken when it’s too late and a customer is stood there waiting.
Make a Plan
Having a daily action plan in place ensures that your employees understand exactly what they are responsible for. You may be able to rely on your employees to act on their own, but it’s a good idea to give them a briefing at the beginning of their day so that they have at least some instructions on what you expect them to do. Setting goals for the company is also a wonderful idea. For example, you might want to bring in a specific quantity of money within a week’s time frame. As a result of this goal being met, employees may be rewarded. This will also keep your employees informed of your goals. A plan also stops staff from standing around waiting to be told what to do. Nobody likes that awkward feeling of wanting to help but not knowing what you want from them, so the clearer you can be, the smoother everything runs.
Communication
A lot of problems in the workplace come down to poor communication. Not because people are lazy or rude, but because they haven’t been told something properly, or they were told once three weeks ago while they were carrying boxes and half listening. If you want your team to do better, you need to keep communication simple and consistent. Quick updates, clear instructions, and making sure everyone is on the same page. Even something as basic as telling staff about a change in opening times or a new product can make a huge difference. It also helps to create an environment where staff feel comfortable asking questions. If they’re too scared to speak up, they’ll just guess, and that’s when mistakes happen.
Reward Effort
Not everything needs to be about pay rises and bonuses, although obviously those help. But recognizing effort goes a long way. If someone has been helpful, handled a tough customer well, or stayed late to get something done, a simple thank you can make them feel appreciated. People work better when they feel noticed. When staff feel invisible, they stop trying. It’s not because they’re bad employees, it’s because they don’t see the point in putting in extra effort if it never gets acknowledged. You could also add little incentives that make work feel more enjoyable. Things like letting the team pick the music, bringing in snacks on a busy day, or doing a small reward for hitting targets. Nothing extreme, just enough to show you care.
Keep It Fair
Nothing kills morale faster than favoritism. If one staff member gets away with being late, skipping tasks, or speaking badly to customers, everyone else will start wondering why they bother. Make sure your rules apply to everyone and your expectations are the same across the board. That doesn’t mean you can’t be understanding when someone is going through something, but it does mean consistency matters. A fair workplace feels safer. Staff know where they stand, they know what’s expected, and they know they’ll be treated the same as everyone else.
