through regular performance appraisals.
This allows the employer to highlight
areas of strength as well as those that
need improvement. It also allow the
employee to review their growth path and
request a move or training that will help
them evolve in the workplace.
There is also something to be said for
bringing motivational speakers into the
organisation to inspire employees once or
twice a year. A good motivational speaker
can make employees feel like they can
conquer the world.
Caring about family and health
The assumption that employees have an
on/off switch that allows them to leave
work issues at work or personal issues
at home is naïve. The truth is much more
complex than that. Without going into the
psychological examination of the human
psyche, it is safe to say the two worlds
will overlap from time to time.
Employers who know more about their
employees than how they deliver on their
deadlines or what type of car they drive
will have a head start over those who
don't. Showing an interest in employees
beyond the quality of their work can pay
huge dividends. An employee who feels
his boss is interested in him as a whole
person is likely to feel more committed,
motivated and loyal. Giving employees
time off when they've worked long hours
every day or arranging a baby shower for
someone's pregnant wife demonstrates a
deeper level of interest and engenders a
sense of compassion. When the employer
needs all hands on deck in an emergency,
there will be many more takers.In addition, encouraging work/life balance
is beneficial to employers and employees.
A healthy workforce is a more productive
one and healthy employees are happier.
Wellness programmes and company
outings such as sporting events go a
long way towards encouraging healthylifestyles and building strong teams.It's the small things that count
Small, thoughtful gestures can build
enormous employee equity such as
remembering their exam dates with a
'good luck' pack or wishing them well
with a goodie bag when they take part in
a race.Knowing what employees do in their
spare time and acknowledging their
various successes, whether it's achieving
a personal best time in a cycling race,
completing a watercolour painting or
celebrating a child's academic success is
key to creating a nurturing and productive
environment.Ivy Gura and Chipo Mashava are Audit Seniors at BDO
Pretoria. BDO is a group of accounting firms operating
throughout Southern Africa, offering accounting, auditing,
secretarial, tax, financial services and risk management.
http://www.bdo.co.za