1. Make sure Everyone has a Clear Job Description
Make sure everyone is aware of what their specific roles and duties are within the work place. People generally perform better when they know what is expected of them.
Having a clear role or job description allows your employees to be accountable for their work.
Having specific tasks for each employee allows staff to take pride in their work. Jobs may get overlooked if they are not assigned to one person as everyone will assume that someone else is doing it.
2. Be Clear when Communicating
Be careful to clarify directives. Miscommunication can lead to confusion and hostility in the workplace. Pay close attention to how your staff communicate with each other and take steps to improve communication where needed. This can save you time, money and give you a more harmonious workplace.
Ensure that all staff are aware of the importance of each members contribution and demonstrate how everyone’s roles work together to achieve their goals.
Communication is the single most important factor in successful teamwork.
3. Have Clear Workplace Policies
Have clear policies in place that cover important issues such as:
- Bullying
- Sexual harassment
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Workplace behaviour
- Health and safety
Having clear policies in place allow staff to know what is acceptable in the workplace and what is not. Make sure your staff are aware of the consequences of straying from these policies.
Be fair and consistent when dealing with staff that have gone against company policies.
Having policies in place can make it more difficult for staff to bring claims against you.
Lawsuits fines and penalties affect the financial health of your business.
Create employee manuals that outline appropriate behaviour in the workplace.
4. Keep employee contracts up to date
Make sure that all your employees have a legally compliant contract of employment.
Signed contracts can avoid conflict regarding a person’s employment status, wage and benefits.
Small businesses usually create formal, written employment contracts that dictate the specific terms of their employment agreements.
An employment contract helps protect the long-term interests and well-being of both parties. An employment contract provides a formal (and legal) record of both parties’ expectations and agreements at the time of hire.
Employment contracts don’t have to be overly long and complicated; in fact, the clearer and briefer the contract, the better. A standard contract can be created for all employees and customised for specific jobs.