How Can Managers Keep Employees Happy at Work?

Not happy at work?  Maybe it is time to resign? This seems to be the thinking of many employees today.  Hence, we have what is being called the Great Resignation.

With so many people resigning today, managers are concerned about losing valued members of their team. So, what can they do?  It’s time for managers to strengthen their teams by working with individual members to see the importance of their contribution to the team, to help employees to develop their strengths and to uncover and remove any barriers to their success.  At the same time the manager needs to model a healthy and happy lifestyle.  That is a tall order!   Here are some ideas to begin the process:

1. Establish strong relationships with employees so they feel comfortable sharing their concerns, struggles and goals.  Listen to your employees and empathize.  Help them resolve their work concerns and struggles.  Find ways to help them reach their work goals so that the team is more productive.
2. Be clear about your own goals and expectations of the team and the individuals. Your team needs to see how their work impacts you, your work and the company’s purpose.
3. Provide flexible work hours if possible so employees can have better balance in their lives.  Allowing them time to attend to their own health and the well-being of their family can help them to be less stressed and more productive.
4. Show appreciation for your employee’s hard work, effort, and commitment.  Be sincere in your acknowledgement of your employees.  It is important for employees to feel their work is valued.
5. Help employees find the meaning in the work they do by showing how they fit into the big picture and how important they are to the team.
6. Understand that employees have private issues they are dealing with over which you have no control. Do what you can to ease the situation. Respect the employees need for privacy.
7. Watch for signs of burnout in your employees. Notice if they show a lack of drive and motivation, make more mistakes than usual, are less productive than usual, or seem like they are disconnected with you and the job.
8. Avoid burnout yourself by modeling a more balanced and healthier lifestyle.  Working long hours leads to exhaustion.  This may lead to your hammering on deadlines and driving for results.  No one is happy at work under those circumstances.  Work normal business hours.
9. Plan to celebrate with the team regularly.  It’s harder to do when you are working in a hybrid environment but find ways to spend some non-work team either virtually or face to face.  Make it fun and relaxing for everyone.
10. Employees want to know they are appreciated by both you and the organization.  Number 4 in this list talks about you appreciating your employees.  In addition, you need to find ways to let your employees know they are appreciated by the organization too.  Examples of this might be: 1. An award from the organization 2. Appreciation from an executive 3. Publication of an article in the company newsletter or the local newspaper about the team

Coaching opportunity

Are you one of the managers today who has concerns about team members leaving?   A coach can help you think through how to develop a strong and cohesive team.  I’ve helped lots of managers to solve issues with their direct reports.  If you would like to discuss my coaching program with me, send me an email at asparker@asparker.com.  You can also call me at 617-240-5353.