5 Simple Ways to Boost Employee Performance

For small business owners, employees are the engine that drives the business forward. After all - you can’t do everything on your own.

But what if your employee performance is below your expectations?

Instead of helping your business grow, they’ll drag it down. Figures from our friends in the US show that 21% of small businesses fail in the first year because they don’t hire the right people, and 48% of all small businesses collapse within five years.

It really is make-or-break.

Here are 5 ideas to help boost your employees’ performance.

Create a positive working environment

Creating a positive work environment is essential for your business.

If you run a coffee shop, look at how Starbucks inspire their team with their warm and friendly work culture.

If you run an office-based company, you should consider how you can create a quieter and more private environment. Why? Because your employees' roles require full concentration.

A study by CNBC reveals that 58% of high performing workers demand more private workspaces because their current work environment is too distracting. The respondents of this study work in industries like Marketing, Creative, IT, Software, and Financial Services.

Give some flexibility

Your employees have lives outside work which don't just stop during the working day.

That’s why it’s important for you to give your staff some flexibility in their working hours, time off and maybe give the opportunity to work from home.

As long as targets are achieved, what are you worried about?

Add a little competition

Everyone wants to be the best and get the recognition for it.

Spark this fire inside your employees by adding a little competition.

Try splitting your sales team into two groups and writing on a big whiteboard how many sales each team has managed to generate that month. A reward at the end of the month for the winning team will ensure they keep up the good work and the losing team will try harder next month! Keep switching the teams around to keep it fair.

It’s a great way to boost your sales without spending too much on marketing campaigns.

Set targets

Without clear targets and goals, your employees won't know what you expect from them or whether they are doing a good job.

Performance management cycles are being widely adopted in place of periodical performance reviews, this gives you and your team the opportunity to check in regularly and stay committed to their goals.

Give rewards

Give rewards where they're due. Nothing is more discouraging than being ignored after working hard on a project.

Give recognition for even the smallest accomplishment.

If you want your employees to perform well, show some appreciation for the work they’ve done.

Reward both individual performers and team achievements. A day out for the team can act as a great reward and a bonding experience at the same time.

---

Growing a small business is not easy.

Always remember - as a leader, your employees are your greatest asset.

Hiring the right people and creating an environment for them to thrive is key to growing your business. By following these tips you will create a healthier, happier, more productive team who are aligned and motivated to achieve your goals.

Good luck!