Roundtable: How can your organization improve productivity and staff inclusion? (Appreciation)

In the first article of our roundtable series, we looked at communication being a two-way conversation.

Let’s turn our attention to appreciation. 

The Merriam-webster dictionary tells us that appreciation is:

• a feeling or expression of admiration, approval, or gratitude.

Showing appreciation to our staff or volunteers, enables them to know they are valued, worthwhile, and respected.  We’re not talking about flattery.  Appreciating someone is recognizing their value and what they bring to the team.  When we appreciate the people in our team, we are acknowledging their worth and what they contribute to the whole.  Positively showing appreciation to our team empowers them to know they are valued, and in turn, they will want to do their best to edify each other and build the organization of which they are part of.

• Acknowledge the work they undertake.

• Enable opportunities for the team to develop professionally.

• Foster a culture of collaboration, trust, and respect among your team and model this in your leadership.

• Accommodate needs within your team where possible.

• Celebrate achievements and milestones.

Showing appreciation to your team empowers them, it affirms them, and amplifies their confidence.

How can you show appreciation to your team today?

Roundtable: How to improve organisational productivity and staff inclusion (Communication)

How can your organization improve productivity and staff inclusion?

In the daily hands-on work of ensuring your business or organization is operational and viable, we may overlook staff inclusion. 

So, how can you ensure an efficient, stable workforce within your organization?

1.  Communication 

2.  Appreciation 

3.  Listening

4.  Being open to ideas from staff

5.  Acknowledgement of work undertaken 

Communication 

Coming from a background of not-for-profit and administration, I cannot express enough the value of communication. 

So often, managers/directors issue directives, only considering their own objectives.  Why should your staff, team, or volunteers listen to you?  If they are not listening, then you need to ask yourself, why?

Communication is a two-way conversation.  Directives are a one-way command giving no opportunity to discuss. 

If your team, whether they are employees or volunteers do not trust you to listen to them or value their input, they will not bring their best to the projects or to the people who engage in the daily course of business.  This will end up affecting the business or organization either by a decrease in income, or less engagement with customers or visitors.

When staff believe they will be heard and conversation is welcomed and valued, they can provide insights into the organization, as they are the on-the-ground, often the first point of contact for potential clients/customers. 

In the next few articles, we'll explore more points listed above.