“Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, It’s Off to Work We Go”! How to get the Best out of your Employees

You may recognise this catch phrase as being from the Seven Dwarfs Song in the Walt Disney animation Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (created 1937).  It was the first full-length animated movie of all-time and was probably the best known tune to come out of the film.

In this scene, the seven dwarfs are hammering away in the mine near their house, digging up diamonds, rubies and all kinds of shiny things. When the whistle blows, the workday is over and the dwarfs make their way home.  For those who have seen the Walt Disney classic Snow White can picture the seven dwarfs singing and whistling as they march off in a swagger, tools in hand, to spend their day working in the mine.

Walt Disney made this epic film shortly after the great depression when people were thrilled to have jobs because it meant they could feed, clothe and nurture their families without having to receive government handouts.

That was then and times have certainly changed!  Instead, today’s workplace can feel more like “I-owe, I-owe, so it’s off to work I go.”  This is of course a flippant interpretation of the cheerful little Disney tune which implies that the primary reason some go to work is not because they enjoy it, but rather, have to pay their bills.  Some endure their workplaces so they can pay their mortgages, pay for expensive food to feed their families, in some cases save up for a holiday, and perhaps (less-so in today’s environment) maybe put a bit away for a rainy day.

It's a tough gig being an Employer these days – particularly with respect to keeping employee motivation and morale up!  The following hot tips may help in reinvigorating your team to become more cheery and engaged in their approach to work:

1.  Good Communication

Open and honest communication is at the heart of a happy and productive workplace.  Share with your team your company’s vision, goals and plans for achieving them.  Meet as a team regularly and especially focus on clear communication in times of change or uncertainty.

2.  Value your Team

Consider rewarding employees for achievements such as meeting goals, contributing to innovation and helping recruit new talent.  Rewards could include performance bonuses and/or non-financial perks such as a team lunch, meaningful vouchers, or just a simple ‘thank you’.

3.  Delegate

You can’t do it all!  Empower employees by entrusting them with important responsibilities, and then stand back and let them do their job.

4.  Address Conflict

Conflict between employees can affect productivity, staff retention and customer service.  Cauterise it by defining job descriptions clearly and business procedures.  Encourage respect for diversity and different opinions.  If conflict occurs, meet with those involved to mediate and implement solutions.  Be timely with the process and always maintain impartiality.

5.  Offer Flexible Work Options

Changing demographics may mean offering a more flexible workplace.  Older employees or those caring for family members may need more flexibility and traditional work hours may need to be adapted such as partial-work from home, offering flexible hours or job sharing.

Employees are your most valuable asset, and as an employer, managing them well is one of the most critical business challenges.  If done well, your employees are more likely to be loyal partners in helping you build a successful company and culture – and who knows – you may just get them humming happily on the tools!

And if all else fails – provide good quality coffee in the tearoom because you’ll at least ensure 3 of the Dwarfs (Sleepy, Grumpy and Dopey) will perform at their prime!

For assistance in lifting employee morale or other HR or Health and Safety advice, get in touch with a member of the SBS Team.  Freephone 0508 424 723 or visit www.safebusiness.co.nz