As a new startup owner, you have a thousand things to take care of seemingly every day, so it’s easy to neglect a few vital aspects of what keeps your business running, namely the employees. Running a new startup is taking a risk on success, and the early days count. You need to keep in mind that it’s not only your personal success on the line but the success of your employees. They took a risk in making your dream a reality too. That should never be forgotten, especially when your business is doing well.
However, in the early days, when good work counts more than ever for climbing the mountain of business significance, it’s important to take the time to assess if your employees are happy, and if not, what you can do to make them so.
It might take a little investment, and it might take a little careful planning. It will definitely take communicating with your staff effectively. Transitioning your startup from its shaky beginnings to a solid, reliable firm is a task that will be undertaken by your employees, and your employees only. You might direct the work and contribute in the trenches when necessary, but for the most part, the grinding daily tasks will be accomplished by your hired force.
Always, always, always keep this in mind, and enact the following methods to really help them flourish and stay happy working for you.
IT Solutions
You need to give your customers great access to IT solutions, from every level. Printers, scanners, storage permissions, quickness and efficiency of your computer machines and screen space are but a few of the important tech considerations to take into account. This is paramount to maintaining the speed, reactivity, and efficiency of your workforce. Keep them happy by giving them the best tools to work with. You won’t regret it.
Refreshment
In your early, money-tight days, you needn’t supply your employees with a full catered diner like Google or Valve, but you can provide simple amenities. Access to clean water is a legal right they have, but you should also provide them with tea, coffee, and light snacks. This won’t break your budget but will go a long way in helping your employees feel well looked after. The caffeine will also work its wonders in improving the productivity of your workforce, especially if they have to work long hours to meet a large sales order or deadline.
Furniture
You must give your employees access to clean, safe and new furniture. It needn’t break the bank, but it needs to be quality. Striking the collect balance through a firm like arnoldsofficefurniture.com will allow your employees to feel comfortable through long hours sitting at their desk. If you need to arrange your office in a select way, purchasing office dividers will go a long way in giving your employees separate, sizable areas to work in.
Working Hours
Time is money, especially in the early days of a startup. But you mustn’t make them work too hard, or too long. Too much overtime can sap the motivation of even the most reliable and ambitious employee. Strike a reasonable balance here and be considerate of their needs. Being the best boss isn’t all about striving for productivity.
To summarize, the most important quality an employer can have is the ability to listen. Duly applied, this will allow you to focus on the advice above more accurately.