Credit: The importance of happy and hard working employees can't be overlooked. The people who work at the base level of your business are the ones serving customers and handling the most important operations of your stores. If you have been fine-tuning your hiring process to find good workers, you need to follow up by adjusting your offerings so your best employees are motivated to stay. Many franchise operators never think to provide a few bonuses or fix basic issues that lead to high turnover rates and losses on labor costs.
Develop a Core Group
If you can identify your over-achievers and give them a cohesive team image to stick with, you will find your entire store operation running more smoothly. There's less micro-managing required from your upper level employees if even the newest hires feel like they clearly understand the process and vision of the business. Cohesive teams work together better and stay together over longer periods of time.
Wages and Bonuses
A higher wage is always motivating to employees who need another reason to stay in their job. If you promise small raises on a routine schedule, stick to them or you will end up alienating even your hardest workers. Companies that can't afford higher wages should consider offering other compensation for their workers. Gift cards and fun reward objects can be an affordable way to keep everyone on their toes during a busy season. Trading certificates with another local business could help you motivate employees without spending too much money.
Communicate
When employees do a spectacular job, let them know how much it helped. Praise and verbal affirmations can go a long way in a business with hourly employees. Many employees stop putting in so much effort when their best work goes unnoticed anyway. Don't overlook a worker who goes above and beyond their normal duties because they are the ones helping your business succeed at the base level.
Get Together
Throwing a party or planning a trip to the local amusement park can bring your team together and help them blow off steam at the same time. Try to avoid making the trip mandatory or you could upset workers with family obligations or limited free time. Planning a small celebration for every few months will keep the team looking forward to something new.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
