Labor Issues? Can’t get or keep ‘em? Where did everybody go? There used to be people applying…
Yep, it’s hard to find help. It’s the new pandemic. It is the main thing business owners and managers worry about. The problem is exceptionally obvious in seasonal resort areas.
Here’s the thing, we must keep the crew we’ve got. “Treat them well and they’ll tell their friends.” How do we do that?
R-E-S-P-E-C-T – as R.G.Risch says, “respect is a two way street”. It starts with basic respect for each other as human beings and grows from there. We need to take the time to get to know our employees as people. They have a life outside of work. What are their likes and dislikes? Do they have kids, a spouse? Are they struggling with issues at home or living life like there is no tomorrow?
You don’t need a lesson in “we’re different, and different is good”, but once in a while we need a reminder. It used to be that those in authority demanded respect just because of their position. It doesn’t work that way anymore. We all start on the same level. After that, respect is earned. On both sides of the table.
Earn your employees respect by giving them the tools they need: proper training, clear expectations, praise where deserved, correction when necessary and regular communication. Listen and learn from them on a daily basis. Be open and available to them, give them your full attention when they come to talk with you.
Let them know a little about you, too. Let them know you are human, share some things about you personally so they can get to know you. Give them something to like about you – or feel like you have something in common. As Brene Brown says, “Be vulnerable”.
Communication is key. Communicate often and remember that listening is a huge part of that equation. Sometimes people just need to vent, other times there are more serious matters that need to be brought up. No way to know without be open and available.
Happy employees create a welcoming environment. New employees will see and sense it. We are all searching for a place in which we feel comfortable,
and it all starts with R-E-S-P-E-C-T!
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