1. Reduce commuting stress for (small) business employees

Consider staggering work times to minimize the negative impact of heavy traffic on your (small) business employees. It’s also worth reviewing late arrival policies and building in more flexibility so that the stress of a bad commute is minimized for your employees. Allowing your workforce to work remotely eliminates the need for commuting altogether and enables your employees to work where they are most comfortable.

2. Create a growth environment and experience for employees

An employee views their job as much more than a source of income. The training and development opportunities that businesses provide, often have as much influence as the salary that one is proposing. Try to create a growth experience and environment by offering training and encouraging employees to take risks and learn new skills. Small business owners investing in their employees’ futures will inspire them to invest in their (small) businesses as well.

3. Don’t waste time

Did the previous staff meeting need to last so long? Look for ways to be more efficient as a manager by e.g. implementing more stand-up meetings in your organization. When people have no chairs to get comfy in, they are far more likely to stick to the agenda and waste less time. Likewise, meetings or conference calls before lunchtime, encourage your objectives to be met more quickly, as people become more hungry or…hangry!

4. Encourage social connections as a cornerstone for businesses

Socializing is a key component to employee wellbeing and happiness. There are few better groups of people to socialize with, than those that you’re already spending five days a week with. Trust in your team to get the work required of them done and allow them the freedom to take a moment’s pause to recharge and connect with a colleague. These moments can also be particularly beneficial in encouraging sparks of creativity that can benefit your business and thereby you as a small business owner.

5. Break up those routines

Boredom and monotony are always lurking nearby and will strike if you don’t consider ways to break up the routine. You should look for small ways to surprise your team and improve employee management, as small gestures can help demonstrate your appreciation, helping boost productivity. Occasionally bringing in small treats, such as good coffee or baked goods can make a huge difference to someone’s day and give them that burst of energy and motivation needed to get the job done and improve the overall job satisfaction in firms.