As a small business, retaining employees that love their job is an important part of your management tactics. Strict rules and regulations in the workplace, even in a small business setting, aren’t always the right way to generate productivity. These tips for improving small business employee performance can help your business succeed and raise morale among your workforce.

How To Improve Small Business Employee Performance

Treat Employees With Compassion

Facilitating employee performance in a small business depends on the way you treat your staff. Treating your employees with respect not only makes everyone happy, but it also improves both employee performance and outside perception of your business. Listen to your employees when they come to you with problems or criticisms, whether they are work-related or not. Coming to civil conclusions during conflict improves your management skills and helps you become a better boss.

Appreciate Your Employees

When employees have been working hard to help your business succeed, it’s essential that you notice and show gratitude. You may not have many employees, but your business would be nothing without them. Keep an eye on their wages and consider whether it’s time for a raise or a promotion. If a raise is out of the question, provide your employees with gifts. Your gifts can be simple gift cards or company swag. Whatever you choose, try to make it as personal as possible.

Emphasize Teamwork

One of the most important tips for improving small business employee performance and retaining your staff is to cultivate an environment where teamwork is key. Whenever you hire new employees, think about how they would work in a team—not just any team though: your team. Consider the personalities and characteristics of your current staff and how everyone would interact with each other.

When training your staff, emphasize clear communication and teamwork to inform others of their responsibilities. Make kindness a company policy—not just with regard to customer service. All teammates should be kind and respect one another.