The key to a successful business means not only focusing on the customers' needs but ensuring that your employees are well taken care of (AT ALL TIMES). Here are just 9 easy and effective solutions to help keep your employees happy and productive in your business.

Recognise your employee's progress

While giving constructive criticism helps people in the right direction, it’s great to also point out the good things your employees are already doing. We advise you acknowledge their progress within your business and verbally show them that you are aware of the growth they are making.

Plan team building activities

Plan activities to help build relationships within your team. This can be regular social gatherings, festive parties or even office games to break the ice and/or encourage strong bonds between your members of staff.

Prioritise a good work/life balance

We all need to balance good work with a good life, right? So embrace the importance of work with your employees, but also understand the importance of maintaining a healthy life. We're all human after all - we need a balance. One shouldn't outweigh the other. Some find it hard to obtain a balanced life so make sure your employees understand where you stand with it -  support them in this and your employees will always remember that.

Set clear measurable goals

Ask yourself "is it clear what our company’s goals are and how we plan to work towards achieving these goals?". the answer should be YES. If there's any confusion, you need to clear that up straight away. Clear and measurable goals = happy and productive staff. And while working together as a team enables productivity, it’s also great to hone in on each individual employee and help them set personal goals.

Encourage breaks

Value your employees' rest periods! By allowing employees to take regular breathers away from the desk, you'll find they will be happier and more productive. These little refreshers encourage focused mindset in your employees. Exactly what you want!

Provide the tools for success

You are responsible for making sure your employees have all the tools to do their job. So make sure they have all the right equipment, contacts and resources to get the job done. Also create safe environments for your employees to express their thoughts and ideas for the company and utilise that power.

Celebrate the milestones

As you set goals and track employees’ progress, it’s nice to take a step back and see what everyone has accomplished (both personal and as a team). Just acknowledgment alone goes a long way but why not add a little something special - encourage your employees to reach certain goals and reward them. This could be an actual prize or even something like employee of the month status. Give it a thought and see how you can make sure you acknowledge and celebrate every milestone met.

Allow workplace flexibility

While showing up to work on time and completing all tasks in a timely manner is important to keep a successful business going, it’s also great to show flexibility with your employees. Consider making it possible for your employee's to have their own flexibilities - this could mean providing the resources so they can work remotely on occasion.

Say your please and thank yous

Simply remembering your manners with your employees can go a long way. There's a sense of comfort and recognition that is felt when these words are heard. It's as easy as saying please after requesting an employee completes a task for you and saying thank you when it's accepted and done to your approval. Being polite to your employees guarantees they are happy and productive in your employment.