The Power of Appreciation:
Why Treating Your Team Well is Crucial for Business Success
At Moxie Manifest, we believe a thriving business starts with a thriving team. We've seen firsthand how the right environment can elevate a team from good to exceptional. Conversely, we’ve witnessed toxic environments deflate amazing employees, leading to high burnout and high turnover.
As we continue to support and nurture businesses, one key lesson stands out: genuinely treating your team well is not just a nice-to-have; it's essential for long-term success.
Overworked and out of touch company leaders make the mistake of checking (what they believe to be) obligatory boxes and calling it team appreciation.
News flash: Cheese pizza once a month does not equate to treating your team well. Remembering your team members’ coffee order is a step in the right direction - But what sets great leaders apart are the ones who genuinely give a sh*t about about their employees on an individual level. These leaders are intentional and carve out time to connect with their team members for the joy of it.
The Human Element
In the hustle of business development, it’s easy to get caught up in metrics, deadlines, and strategies. Yet, behind every successful project, every creative solution, and every happy client, there’s a team of people who make it all happen.
Yes - Your SOPs are vital to company operations, but what are your operations are dead without steller staff to execute these responsibilities at the highest level?
Our team members are not just employees; they are the heartbeat of our business. Their well-being, motivation, and satisfaction directly influence the quality of work and the overall success of a business.
The Downfall of Employee Turnover
Employee turnover is one of the most costly and disruptive challenges a business can face. When valued team members leave, it’s not just a loss of talent and experience; it’s a drain on morale and productivity. Constantly onboarding new staff members will disrupt workflows, strain remaining team members, and ultimately impact client satisfaction. The time and resources spent on recruitment and training could be better invested in growing and improving your business.
Furthermore, company leaders have a responsibility to protect their best employees from the worst. Recent studies show that a single negative team member has the power to impact a co-worker's productivity by 30%. Not only was productivity impacted for those co-workers in direct contact with the negative employee, but reduced productivity also trickled down team members working with the toxic employee indirectly.
1 bad apple employee truly will ruin the whole bunch. Or cause them to leave at the very least…
High turnover can also damage your company’s reputation. Word travels fast, and potential hires may be hesitant to join a company with a reputation for poor employee treatment. This can limit your ability to attract top talent, making it even harder to build a strong, cohesive team.
Valuing Your GREAT Employees
Great employees are worth their weight in gold. They bring not only skills and expertise but also a unique passion and dedication that can drive your business forward. Here’s how you can ensure that you are valuing your top talent:
Remembert: genuinely give a sh*t about your employees.
Recognition and Appreciation: Regularly acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of your team members. A simple thank-you or a shout-out in a meeting can go a long way. Recognition doesn’t always need to be grand; it’s the consistent, genuine appreciation that counts.
Opportunities for Growth: Invest in your team’s professional development. Offering training, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities shows that you are committed to their growth. When employees see a path for their own development, they are more likely to stay and invest in the company’s success.
Work-Life Balance: Encourage a healthy work-life balance. Flexible working hours, remote work options, and understanding personal commitments contribute to a more satisfied and productive team. A supportive work environment helps prevent burnout and keeps morale high.
Create a Positive Culture: Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment. A culture where employees feel valued, heard, and included not only improves job satisfaction but also enhances overall team performance.
Provide Competitive Compensation: Ensure that your compensation packages are fair and competitive. While salary isn’t the only factor in job satisfaction, it is a crucial one. Regularly review and adjust compensation to reflect industry standards and the contributions of your team members.
Remember, the investment you make in treating your team well is an investment in the long-term success and sustainability of your business. As you continue to build and grow, let appreciation and respect be the cornerstones of your leadership.
Here’s to nurturing your team and reaping the rewards of a thriving, dynamic business!