As the hectic and action-packed events of the holidays are in the past, many employers and businesses are ready to face the busy new year with a clear focus.
Be sure workplace goals are established early on and align with staff across the board.
As the hectic and action-packed events of the holidays are in the past, many employers and businesses are ready to face the busy new year with a clear focus. The beginning of the year is often met with new goals and resolutions, that can easily be carried over to the workplace year round. In order to stay ahead of the game, business owners and executives need to make sure that the workplace goals are established early on and align with staff across the board.
Here are some ways to stay connected with staff throughout the year:
Solicit feedback. Set up an old-fashioned suggestion box or perhaps a more contemporary email address where employees can vent their concerns and ask questions. Ownership or executive management can reply to queries with the broadest implications, while other managers could handle questions specific to a given department or position. Share answers through company-wide emails or make them a feature of an internal newsletter or blog.
Hold a company meeting. At least once a year, hold a “town hall” with staff members to answer questions and discuss issues face to face. You could even take it to the next level by organizing a company retreat, where you can not only answer questions but challenge employees to come up with their own strategic ideas.
Be social. All work and no play can make owners and execs look dull and distant. Hold an annual picnic, host an outing to a sporting event or throw a holiday party so you and other top managers can mingle socially and get to know people on a personal level.
Make appearances. Business owners and executives should occasionally tour each company department or facility. Give managers a chance to speak with you candidly. Sit in on meetings; ask and answer questions. Employees will likely get a morale boost from seeing you take an active interest in their little corner of the company.
Learn a job. For a potentially fun and insightful change of pace, set aside a day to learn about a specific company position. Shadow an employee and let him or her explain what really goes into the job. Ask questions but stay out of the way. Clarify upfront that you’re not playing “gotcha” but rather trying to better understand how things get done and what improvements you might make.
By staying visible and interactive with employees, your staff will likely feel more appreciated and, therefore, be more productive. You also may gather ideas for eliminating costly redundancies and inefficiencies. Maybe you’ll even find inspiration for your next big strategic move. Please contact Maddie Schweitzer, Senior Accountant, Melanie Smart, CPA, or your Rudler, PSC advisor, so we can assist you in assessing the potential costs and benefits of the strategies mentioned and more. Call 859-331-1717 today.
RUDLER'S TAX MANAGEMENT & PLANNING TEAM
This week's Rudler Review is presented by Maddie Schweitzer, Staff Accountant and Melanie Smart, CPA.
If you would like to discuss your particular tax situation, contact Maddie or Melanie at 859-331-1717.
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