Page 6 - Vance Business Professional

By Max Curry
Just 30 years ago, an employee could expect to go to work for a company that could last their entire career un- til retirement. Such a thing is almost
unheard of in today’s business environ- ment and I ask myself, why?
Peopleusedtobeproudofwherethey worked and wore it like a badge of honor. They would brag about the achievements of their company to family and friends, and vigorously defend their company if challenged. Today, people more common- ly “badmouth” their employer rather than praise their company. Again, I ask myself, why has this happened?
In my opinion, the root cause of such apathetic behavior stems from the feed- back – or lack thereof – they get from their employer. They feel like a cog in a wheel that could easily be replaced. They feel in- consequential and unappreciated. When people feel like a number or a cog, their loyalty will only be to their paycheck or next better job.
In order for American businesses to thrive, I believe employees have to feel like they have “skin” in the game. Financial compensation isn’t always people’s most motivating stimuli. Often, praise and rec- ognition for a job well done can be pow- erful tools for motivating personnel. Some techniques I’ve developed and adopted to help motivate and inspire my personnel are as follows:
Bonus given for a new client brought in.
Upon so many bookings of a new client, I will give that employee a bonus on their next direct deposit. It encourages the staff member responsible for helping to secure the new client to “sell” themselves and our company to perspective clients, which in turn helps us as a company to continue to
grow, as well as providing stability of future projects for that staff member by getting re- quests for work in the future.
Set pay increases across the board for everyone based on reaching set goals. Ev- eryone then has a goal to work toward for company development, expertise devel- opment, as well as monetary increase for themselves and their families.
At least every other week I’ll stop at Star- bucks and bring a treat in for the entire staff as a way to say, “Good job, everyone! I ap- preciate what you do each day and how hard you’re working.” I usually will say, “Here’s a little something to let you know I recognize your efforts and dedication. Keep up the great work and attitude!”
Weekly recognition of individuals within the company who have stepped up to help with a difficult situation, gone out of their way to help a client or to help the com- pany, or extraordinary action on an in- dividual’s part that wasn’t expected. Rec- ognition of exemplary actions can lead to others following the example and driving company success.
Daily recognition of staff members for tasks performed above and beyond the call of duty. It’s easy to look past things like this and say, “It’s expected as part of your job,” but a little extra effort to show appreciation for a job well done will pay off in dividends to the company in the long run.
Yearly recognition awards for outstand- ing service to clients and/or the company. At Christmas, we do an outstanding service award to recognize individuals who devel- oped beyond where they were to become an exemplary professional.
Reward events during the year to say “Thank You.” Every six months we do something big for everyone as a way to
say, “Thanks for all you do to make us as a company a success.” We’ve done a spa day, all-day Viking Cooking School classes to- gether, a company trip to a nearby location for a weekend getaway, etc. The main idea is to do something special for everyone as a groupthatletsthemknowtheyareappreci- ated and that their hard work has not gone unnoticed.
Finally, attempt to create an office envi- ronment that is a pleasant place to work. We have a fountain in our office that pro- vides gentle water sounds, as well as gentle lighting and soft, colorful artwork that is peaceful and aids in creating a stress-free environment. We keep gentle music in the background to help the work day move along smoothly. There are still stressors that happen hourly within the office in ad- dressing clients’ needs, but a kind environ- ment makes those potentially difficult is- sues more manageable.
Before he passed away, my daddy gave me some advice that I’ve carried with me all these years and employ in my company on a daily basis. He said, “Son, if you take care of the people who work with you and appreciate them for their positive contribu- tions, they will take care of you and your company will thrive because of it.” His ad- vice was sound and has proven to be accu- rate.
With time and consistent effort, your company can become a positive place where employees enjoy coming to work. Happy workers are productive workers.
Max Curry, B.C.R., RPR, LCR, CRI, CCR, is a real time court reporter and owner of Elite Court Reporting Services with offices covering the state of Tennessee with over 26 years of experience.