Your business will only ever be as strong as the team you hire. If they’re disengaged and unmotivated, you’ll be headed for eventual collapse. However, if you can keep them happy, engaged, and excited about pursuing shared goals, you’ll have all the makings of a thriving enterprise.

To ensure your business falls into the latter category, we recommend implementing the following tips:

1. Consider biometrics

Biometric sign-in systems offer an easy and minimally intrusive way to instantly improve accountability and engagement. If you invest in high-quality biometric technology, no one will be able to game the system. So you’ll have a clear picture of when people are clocking in and out of work each day.

There are plenty of options on the market, and even the best models tend to be quite affordable. So type “biometric time clock Australia” into your preferred search engine, and look for a local supplier who can offer ongoing support. Even if you’re running a remote team, you can take advantage of biometrics as most providers offer cloud-based solutions with apps that take advantage of the fingerprint scanners built into many modern devices.

2. Lead by example

If you want your team to be engaged and accountable, it’s essential to model these attitudes yourself. This means being open and honest with them about what’s happening in the business. And if you make a mistake, own it, apologise, and explain how you plan to make things right. Model the behaviour you want to see, and your team will have no excuse to not follow your lead.

3. Value their goals

Of course, you want your team to strive to achieve the goals you’ve set for your business. However, you can’t expect people to be as committed and enthusiastic about your dreams as you are. You may be prepared to work unpaid overtime to get projects done in time, but it would be unfair to expect your employees to do the same.

Thankfully, there are things you can do to get maximum commitment and dedication from your team. One of the most effective strategies is to support your team in pursuing their personal and professional goals. You can do this by offering training programs, supporting their educational pursuits, and offering flexible working arrangements that allow them to create the work/life balance that suits them best.

4. Offer genuinely valuable benefits

More and more businesses are jumping on the four-day workweek bandwagon, which is great to see. However, if this isn’t realistic, it can end up putting more pressure on your team. They may be left working 12-hour days or coming in on weekends. And if you’re using the four-day workweek as a way to earn clout for your business on social media, you may end up fostering resentment in your team. The same is true for any benefits you offer.

5. Create a communicative environment

Your employees need to feel comfortable coming to you with any concerns they may have. Most people also need feedback and encouragement in order to remain engaged and perform at their best.

So set up regular one-on-one catch-ups in which you can discuss their performance, provide feedback, and receive feedback from them. Always recognise outstanding achievements, and encourage people to praise each other for excellent teamwork and support.

You’ll face plenty of challenging times as you steer your business through the rapidly-evolving digital era. However, if you focus on developing a strong, engaged, and close-knit team, you’ll be in the best possible position to thrive for years to come.