Knowledge Is Key

If your workforce doesn't know HOW they can communicate it's a losing battle from the beginning, it sounds obvious, but can they email you with concern? Pick up the phone and get in touch with you directly? Are there set procedures for suggesting change and finding out information if they need to? A lot of places have an Intranet too, which is a hub of information that even the most prominent companies with the largest workforce can navigate and communicate with the right people. Plus many places have decided to try a time clock app like Deputy's to simplify time management too.

Team Building

This one doesn't have to be anything too intense, expensive, or time-consuming, but there are plenty of things that can improve communication between staff. Simple competitions or treats now and again can raise the moral and boost the team spirit. If you're lacking in creativity, there are lots of online resources that can help you with this one. Have you tried to teach someone how to juggle? Or played a few rounds of Rock, Paper, Scissors? It sounds simple, but the best games are always the best!

Rewards

Indeed, someone who feels valued will always go over and above, and that's a great thing to remember when you're managing a team. Of course in Sales there are commissions and bonus', but in other fields, this isn't standard. However, nothing is stopping you rewarding the hard workers, keep it authentic and straightforward, and you'll see vast improvements in the mood. Some workplaces offer reward schemes with vouchers as the incentive, who doesn't love an Amazon voucher or two just for doing a job well?

Socialising

Being cooped up in the office all the time can be a little demotivating and reduce effective communication, even though that's where the work gets done, but you know what they say, all work and no play… So even if you just arrange drinks after work once in a while, or a team lunch once a month, you'll find a positive change in your staff, it's proven to be incredibly motivating and improves the mood in the office.

Ultimately keeping the lines of communication open with your staff is the key to a happy team, there are also many online courses you can take, and experiences from other successful managers that you can draw from. Motivating and communicating with your staff is one of the best investments you can make, as a happy workforce equals more work being done!

Photo by Mimi Thian on Unsplash