We’ve all been in that job before. The one that causes us to dread Mondays, feel exhausted and stressed, and live for the weekend. As leaders – bosses, CEOs, entrepreneurs – the last thing we want is a miserable workforce. You’re not going to get great performance from your team if they hate what they do.
Putting a stop to clock-watching, distractions, bad attitudes, and general workplace misery isn’t about mandating cheer and company fun. It’s more about how you treat your team and the work they’re given. You might have a great business with a great mission, but it may not prevent your team from feeling stress, burnout, and yes – misery.
Here’s how you, dear leader, can reduce workplace stress, strain, and a chronic case of the Monday blues.
6 Ways to Improve Workplace Satisfaction
#1 – Set Realistic Standards
First things first: your team needs to know that their workload is realistic and accomplishable. Too many employers have an unrealistic idea of the time it takes to complete work, which can lead to a lot of unpaid overtime and working nights and weekends. That’s a recipe for burnout! No, you don’t want your team to have to look for things to do – but you need an understanding of realistic timelines and workloads. People who feel overworked don’t fare well.
#2 – Eliminate Anonymity
A lack of recognition in the workplace can be enormously discouraging. People who work hard but never get recognition for their effort can become jaded and embittered. It can cause quality to decline. Don’t let anyone go anonymous. While there’s something to be said about doing the best job you can regardless of recognition, leaders need to celebrate their team.
Praise good work. Give credit where credit is due.
If you give critique or negative feedback, make sure it isn’t all you give. Acknowledge good work done right.
#3 – Promote Health & Balance
They say that sitting is the new smoking – and we sit plenty in the office! Your team’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing is directly tied to their workplace environment. Prioritize the availability of natural light in the office, enforce regular breaks, and take walking meetings. Incentivize wellness efforts and good habits. Personal health impacts the quality of the work you produce!
#4 – Set Benchmarks for Success
Do you and your team members know what success looks like? You should both know the answer to this question: how do we know when we’ve succeeded? You must establish clear benchmarks and expectations for success. Reinforce them by celebrating the wins! If you team doesn’t feel like their work is of any consequence, they’re less likely to feel fulfilled and engaged in that work. You all need to know what a good job looks like and what precisely you’re trying to accomplish with each task.
Work without a clear purpose is discouraging to the people doing it!
#5 – Encourage Potential
Believe it or not, your team likely has ambitions and goals that have nothing to do with your business. It’s not a lack of care or loyalty, it’s simply the reality. You are going to be the most invested in your business. While your team might like working for you and be champions of your goals, the chances that you’re supplying a dream job are relatively low.
Because of this, you need to see your team as complex, dynamic, and full of endless potential. Invest in making your team the best they can be. Help them develop skills that go beyond their role and equip them for advancement. You want your team to be the best they can be – not simply the best at their current job.
#6 – Be Candid & Communicative
Leadership demands mastery of communication. You want your team to feel comfortable coming to you to express concerns, struggles, and feelings. Be candid (but not rude) and encouraging (without sugar-coating). Your ability to communicate your expectations, valuable feedback, and goals is essential. If there’s a lack of clarity, make things clear. If there’s a concern, address it. If there are rumors, declare the truth.
Value transparency. Value honesty. And most of all, create a space that allows your team to express themselves without fear of backlash or punishment. Be the leader who listens and speaks with compassion, integrity, and ambition.
What creates a sense of purpose and joy in your work? Share in the comments.