Getting to know your team members on a personal level can strengthen your organisation
Everyone wants to feel valued at work, no matter which rung of the career ladder they are perched on. Making time to get to know your staff members and generate a personal bond can make them feel like an appreciated and respected part of a team, strengthening relationships and improving overall job satisfaction.
Getting to know your team members isn’t a purely selfless act either. When employees feel more valued in their role, their productivity is likely to improve. On top of this, you’ll also be improving your staff retention levels and build on your own personal wellbeing. With a harmonious team all comfortable and enjoying a sense of camaraderie, few will look for new career opportunities elsewhere.
With all this in mind, here are five simple ways to form better relationships with your staff and effectively boost your business in the long run.
Arrange regular one-to-one meetings
Speaking one-to-one with each staff member is the best way to really get to know them, and it gives them a chance to address the specific things they need from you. This might be more direction, constructive criticism, praise or just general support. How do they feel about being part of your organisation? Are they enjoying their role? Is there anything that’s causing them stress?
These meetings don’t have to be formal. In fact, a laid back chat might be the best way to help your employees feel seen and heard.
Shadow your team to gather information
While speaking directly to your team is good, you should also make time to see them in action. Spending time with them as they carry out their usual tasks will help you see first-hand what challenges they face and how they deal with them. This will provide a more accurate perspective on what you’re asking of your employees, and, in turn, will reveal whether there is anything you can do to make their job easier.
Get together as a team
Getting to know your employees as a team is just as important as engaging with them on a one-to-one basis. People often feel more comfortable when they’re with their peers, so put some time aside to talk things through with your team as a whole. Create a relaxed environment that allows everyone to open up and get to know each other.
Remember that your team is just that, a team. And as the leader of that team, it’s up to you to make everybody feel welcome.
Spend time outside the office
Sometimes the office environment alone is enough to stop people from truly being themselves. That’s why it’s a good idea to treat your team to a jaunt outside the workplace every once in a while. This could be a trip to the pub after work or a Friday lunch.
This is a great and simple way to have regular updates with your team members that feel less intimidating, meaning you can get to know them on a personal level rather than a formal one. If you really want to get them on side, you could even offer to foot the bill!
Establish an open door policy
Having an open office door is a simple but clear signal that says you are there for your employees if and when they need you. Of course, sometimes phone calls or meetings might require privacy, but keeping your door open most of the time lets your team know that they can come in and talk about what’s on their mind.
Got a business idea you’d like to get off the ground?
The team at TEDCO Business Support has helped thousands of businesses to grow, supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), so we’re here to support you as your team grows.
Get in touch with our team today to see how we can help you. Give us a call on 0191 516 61 02 or drop us an email at hello@tedco.org