Customer satisfaction is crucial to the success of a business. One way to help improve customer satisfaction is to make sure your employees are motivated and enjoy their job.
A study from the University of Missouri found that when businesses focus on employee happiness and morale, customer satisfaction is increased. The study noted, “The link between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty is almost twice as strong when you have high employee satisfaction compared to when they are not satisfied with their jobs.”
This creates a win-win for businesses; by keeping employee motivation high, they can also increase customer satisfaction. In turn, a company can keep employees and customers longer. Here are a four ways to motivate employees without spending money.
Motivate Employees Without Spending Money
1. Provide plenty of training. Employees can only meet or exceed their manager’s expectations when they know what is expected of them. According to a Gallup survey, only half of employees surveyed actually had a clear understanding of those expectations.
When employees receive thorough training, they are happier, more motivated to do a good job, and more committed to the company because they know what to expect. In order be sure they know what is expected: tell them what to do (verbally and in writing), show them what to do (give them examples of dos and don’ts), and let them do it so you can see they understand the task.
2. Provide recognition for a job well-done. By saying thank you and recognizing employees for a job well-done, you increase the self-esteem of the employee. Employees who feel appreciated are happier and more productive in their jobs. They feel good about themselves and the company and they begin to feel as if they have a vested interest in the success of the company.
The recognition could be as simple a saying ‘thank you, I appreciate it’ or ‘great job.’ Your business could also set up a formal recognition program by giving certificates of appreciation, employee of the month honors, lunch, a gift card, etc. There are many ways to recognize and motivate employees without having a huge expense.
3. Set a good example. Your company’s culture is directly related to you and your actions. As a business owner, you probably are not managing every employee. However, you should provide thorough training and recognition to the people who directly report to you, just as you want them to do to their direct reports. They will take your lead and act on it. When your managers feel empowered, that feeling will permeate to employees who report to them, and so on.
4. Create a positive work environment. When you create a positive work environment, employees have less stress, which makes them happier and more satisfied. In turn, they become more motivated to do a good job. This can be as easy as greeting employees when you see them, giving recognition when deserved and listening to them.
Motivated Staff Improves Productivity
Ask employees to share their ideas and suggestions, listen to what they have to say, thank them for their input, then act those ideas when appropriate. Consider creating a program together that gives an incentive to great ideas that are implemented in the company.
Keeping your employees motivated will help them and the company be more successful. That is a win-win! With a little forethought, your employees will feel like they are a valued, trusted members of the company and will want to see it succeed.
One example that the Pet Butler Chicago franchise does to motivate its seasonal workers is by having snacks in the shop. “We are extremely busy this time of year. My crew is young… let’s face it…. young people do not plan meals. I have the fridge stocked with waters ALWAYS. In the summer time we add Gatorade. We also have poptarts and peanut butter crackers for them to take. It’s a small gesture to show my appreciation to our team,” says Rick Diaz, Operations Manager. “They often send me texts: ‘thank you so much for the snacks, its one less stop for me to make for breakfast’! We have a great bond, and our team helps each other every day in the field!”
Whether you want to switch your independent business to a franchise system or you are looking for a new turn-key franchise opportunity with the resources and support to help you be successful, Pet Butler may be the perfect fit for you. Learn more about Pet Butler by calling 844-777-8608 or visit us at www.growmypetindustrybusiness.com.
