Running a startup? Everyone can do it. Running a successful startup? That’s an entirely different thing. Nowadays, many entrepreneurs fail to understand that starting a successful business can no longer be accomplished through 2 hands only. In today’s business environment, launching a profitable startup requires resources.
And what better resources do you have other than human resources? A great team filled with great people will surely make a bigger impact in the marketplace. However, motivating and engaging your team of employees might often be difficult.
That is why, during this post, we’re giving you 6 effective ways to boost your employees’ engagement during the startup process of your business.
1. Offer a Long-Term Perspective & Dream
The strongest form of motivation for employees doesn’t revolve around money. In fact, a human being is always going to be drawn by bigger purposes. Instead of promising your employees a big, fat paycheck, tell them that they get the chance to attend something extraordinary, or at least worth pursuing.
If your products and services are meant to solve important problems and change lives, emphasize that. If you believe that in 10 years you’ll become the biggest brand in your niche market, let them know of your dreams and ask them to join the ride. Make them feel important, and let them know that their contribution truly speeds up the progress towards the end goal.
2. Provide Amazing Growth Opportunities
Did you know that humans have a basic need of growth? Whether we consciously perceive it or not, deep down, we all want to make progress. Life’s not meant to be spent in a comfort zone yet many people get comfortable with this state of being. However, your startup is for those who are eager to grow, so make sure that you present it this way.
When you have the first contact with your potential employees, let them know that their knowledge, skills, and professionalism will consistently grow while they work in your organization. Show them how they’ll progress and give them opportunities.
3. Offer a Professional Work Environment
Every professional craves to be respected. One of the ways in which employers can show respect is by providing a great workplace environment. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to spend a lot of money on fancy offices. Nope. It goes beyond that.
Olivia Mayson, Chief HR Manager at Resumes Planet, shares one of her insights upon the matter:
"A great work environment consists in great social dynamics, stimulating activities, and useful gadgets and tools. For example, you can have extremely comfortable chairs but a small office. Do you think that your employees will care so much about the space if they have all the comfort they need? I don’t think so."
4. Get Personal
Here’s something that many bosses fail to accomplish. Getting personal with your employees is really a must in case you ever want to build solid relationships with them. A solid connection between two professionals can only be accomplished if things “get personal”.
That means you should treat your employees like human beings and potential friends, not as working machines. You’re not superior because you’re paying them, so don’t be arrogant or anything like that.
Take the time to ask them how do they do, how are their families…ask them if they’re encountering any problems at work and in their lives, and be friendly.
5. Reward the Good Results
Good results should always be rewarded. Every employee must know that, and you can make sure they understand it by emphasizing the rewards during the hiring interview. If they get accepted, show them the roadmap towards promotion. For example, you can write a list of several qualities/actions that will be rewarded.
You can make your own rewards. In most of the cases, employees are stimulated by bigger paychecks or cash bonuses. However, you can offer promotions or different opportunities that might suit your employees best.
6. Ask for Feedback and Implement Changes
Don’t consume yourself trying to find out every detail about your employee’s preferences. You can simply go ahead and ask your team for feedback. Let them know that you’re extremely eager to make positive changes in the office and that their help would be very appreciated.
To make things easier, develop a digital survey and share it with all of your team members online. This way, it only takes them 5 minutes to answer a few questions. If you want to make it even more effective, organize a meeting and talk to them face to face.
Once you get your answers, figure out the solutions. This sort of optimization will always bring upgrades to your team’s conditions and performance.
Takeaways
Keep in mind that the more you invest in your team the more it’ll pay off in revenues later. Cause and effect. Build a team of capable individuals, make them fall in love with your dream, and start noticing the amazing results that result from your team’s collective efforts.
