OUT OF THE 3 billion people employed in the world, study after study has shown that only 40 percent of them are happy at work. As both a student and a teacher in this field, I’ve collected some ideas that will help your store be happier.
First, being happy is not about the money, but rather about how they’re treated by both leaders in the organization and the people they work with. They want to be treated with respect and dignity, and this comes with time and listening.
Managers, set aside time every week with each one of your reports. Listen to them. Discuss their metrics. Let them know how they’re doing. And most importantly, ask them if they have any input. People that are heard and listened to are happy people. And they tend to stick around. You’ll always see a lack of morale and motivation if people are constantly being given input rather than being truly listened to.
And owners, do this same thing with your managers. Sit down once a week and discuss how things are going. Most importantly owners, ask your managers what their ideas are for growth and change.
Next, lead by example. When owners come to me frustrated about employees not doing what they want them to do, I ask them, “Are you doing it? Are you showing up on time? Are you filling out the daily activity report? Are you adhering to the dress code?”
Our parents always told us that people are watching what we do much more than what we say. So if you want them to do it, you’d better be doing it, too. You will also see a much higher level of respect when you reach over and pick up that McDonalds cup in the parking lot.
And finally, catch them doing something right. In order to do this, you first have to catch them. That means you’re on the sales floor, aware of everything going on, pitching in, observing. Then when you see something good, say something. One of the biggest questions in employees’ brains is, “How am I doing?” There’s no better pick-me-up for someone than for you to go over to them after the customer has left and say, “Hey, I really liked the way you brought Jenna into that sale as the expert. That really helped close the sale.” By doing so, you’re reinforcing not only a great activity, but your employee’s emotions and confidence.
Happy people produce 300 percent more revenue and represent half the turnover of unhappy ones. So give them quality time, listen to them, lead by example and catch them doing something right.