CEO of Zingerman’s Deli Ari Weinzweig once said, “If you don’t create a great, rewarding place for people to work, they won’t do great work.” It’s logical that people are more inclined to work hard if they appreciate who they work for and enjoy what they do. As a leader in the workplace, a lot of these positive work connotations can rely on you. But no pressure — there are several ways you can be a supportive, encouraging, and helpful boss. Keep reading for tips on how to develop these qualities.
1. Promote Work-Life Balance
It’s important for anyone to have a healthy balance between their work life and personal life. Even though the company might like the dedication, being a ‘workaholic’ can have negative consequences. When an employee devotes too much time to work, their personal lives can suffer. Relationships can dwindle and stress levels can rise exponentially, which will eventually affect their work performance.
For the wellbeing of the company and its employees, encourage flexible work hours and remote work options. This way you work with them to be able to work with you. Additionally, support employees in taking necessary breaks and vacations to prevent burnout and maintain mental health. If they’re sick or in mourning, encourage them to take time off instead of working through a difficult time. To show you care even more, consider sending get well soon or sympathy gift baskets. They’ll appreciate the thought and effort put into them, and they’ll know they’re valued beyond their working role.
2. Create a Welcoming Space
Nobody wants a scary, standoffish employer who they feel like they can’t talk to. Having a boss who shows genuine interest in their employees’ lives can make all the difference. Working under someone who doesn’t have your back can lead to wavering motivation and productivity. In other words, simply being there for your employees can mean so much more than you might realize.
Make sure your office is a welcoming place for employees to stop by. Keep the door open when you’re not too busy, like in a meeting or on the phone. Have a chair or two for them to be able to sit down in when they visit. Craft a relaxed atmosphere where they can feel at ease to discuss whatever they need to with you. Moreover, encourage employees to speak to you when they feel the need, whatever the case may be. They’ll know you’re there for them, and it can improve the workplace dynamic.
3. Celebrate Employee Achievements
Remember class pizza parties or ice cream days as a reward for hitting goals at school? Think about how that made you excited and want to do your best. Humans can be simple creatures sometimes, but that’s not a bad thing. You can use this kind of method to support your employees when they achieve both in and out of the workplace.
Birthdays, graduations, weddings, or having children are just a few life achievements to consider celebrating. Showing that you’re investing in your employees’ lives, even out of the workplace, can go a long way. And these celebrations don’t have to be costly or elaborate, either. Some form of acknowledgement and congratulation is all that’s necessary to show you care. However, if you want to throw a pizza (or other type of) party like the good old days, go right ahead. There are plenty of reasons to host an office party.
4. Cultivate a Positive Workplace
The previous three points have all pertained to ways you, yourself, can support your employees directly. These involve your personal exchanges with them and what you have the most control over. However, there are also some indirect ways you can provide support, like fostering a positive workspace.
Maintaining a healthy work environment is extremely important for everyone involved. However, this is considered indirect because you have less control over what other people say and do. Regardless, there are things you can do to encourage positive interactions and discourage unprofessional scenarios. Remember that it’s your responsibility to maintain peace and order in the workplace, so don’t shirk your duties. Enforcing rules and professionalism is a necessary evil that will create a happier workspace for everyone.
5. Encourage Goals and Growth
As an overseer, picture yourself as a parent of sorts — maintaining law and order, giving instruction, and offering guidance and encouragement. This last bit of ‘parenting’ mentioned can take being a supportive boss to the next level.
Throughout life, everyone is on their own individual journey of discovery and growth. As a leader of others, it’s important you encourage them along their way. Your employees will work hard to achieve goals and grow in their careers and lives, both in and out of the workplace. And as their mentor of sorts, it’s in your best interest to support them throughout the process.
Even if their growth doesn’t ultimately end with them staying at your company, be supportive. You’ll have driven workers because they’ll know you have their back professionally and personally. This can inspire a stronger work ethic while they work for you. However, above all, you’ll be showing off that your workplace stands for the good of its employees. And more than that — you see them as humans with emotions and dreams, not just cogs in the machine.
Be Adaptive
Remember that support can be shown in a multitude of ways, and some people prefer one type over another. Be flexible and willing to adapt with your employees and their needs. One person might need more remote work opportunities, and another might benefit from weekly check-ins. Ask, listen, and be responsive to individual needs, making sure to be encouraging and understanding all the while. Your care will be greatly appreciated and go a long way for your employees.
