Business Education

Effective Ways to Show Your Employees You Actually Care

Happy employees are great employees. It’s that simple. When your team members feel good about their work and its environment, your company benefits immensely. It’s certainly no secret that any organization’s survival (and profits) rely almost solely on its employees. Furthermore, unhappy employees will do more to drag down your business than any other factor. So, it’s very important your team members feel appreciated.

Why Appreciative Employees are the Most Productive and Loyal

Okay, there’s no mystery to the reality that appreciative employees are indeed the most productive and loyal. When people are treated — not only with respect and adulation — they respond in positive ways. And, creating this culture does much to make the entire entity stronger and more cohesive.

Employees who feel appreciated feel valued. And when people feel valued, they’re more likely to go above and beyond for the organization. They’re quicker to hold themselves accountable for their part of a project. Most importantly, they’re happier in their roles, which means, they’re less likely to leave. When leaders disregard opportunities to connect with their team and show employees their appreciation, they lose a secret weapon in building a dedicated, long-term team.
—Inc.com

Everyone wants to be treated fairly and feel valued. When you routinely act in a way that imparts your thankfulness, your team will definitely pick up on it. The result is a better workplace and one that delivers on each and every project.

How to Show Your Employees You Care about Them

Other than competitive pay and good benefits, how do you show your employees you really appreciate them and what they do? Well, there are some subtle and overt ways to show employees you really care about them:

Give them extras. We’ll start with the most obvious. Reward them with little extras. An additional paid day off. Tickets to a show or game. A gift card. There are dozens of little things you can do to overtly show your appreciation. And do this when they least expect it, and where possible, reward them in front of their peers.
Get to know them. A subtle way to show employees you care is just to get to know them. Talk with them about things other than work. Check in on their sick mother, or pets or kids school projects or sports. Sure, it sounds all-too-obvious but you’d be surprised just how many bosses only talk about work.
Let them be the boss. Here’s an interesting idea — be a coach and not a “boss.” This approach allows employees to feel empowered. In other words, let them be their own boss. Employees who are given the reins are happier and more productive team members.
Show you have their back. The customer is always right, right? No. Reality is quite different. There are times when the customer is wrong and when an employee is in their crosshairs, let him or her know you have their back.

What other ways do have you shown appreciation and how do they work? Please share your thoughts and experiences by commenting!

Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

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Have You Tried the Discarded Napkin Test?

October 29, 2017 No Comments

Have you tried the discarded napkin test? Perhaps you’ve never heard of it because it isn’t an actual thing. But, this simple sociological experiment does reveal some fascinating insight into how we perceive others and gauge various environments. Don’t bother Googling it, you won’t find any on-point results. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not useful. Try the Discarded Napkin Test for Yourself The discarded napkin test is a simple one. And, it clearly demonstrates the importance of appearance. Here it is: go into a casual restaurant prior to the lunch hour rush. Crumple a clean napkin and place it on a clean but empty table. Sit nearby and watch how many people past the “tainted” table up for another. Eventually, if there’s no more tables available, someone will muster the courage to clean it off. Or, give into the frustration of the limited seating options and swipe it to the floor. Many workplaces have dress codes, particularly workplaces in industries in which image is highly valued and workplaces in which employees have regular face-to-face contact with customers. Whether you are considering setting a dress code for an existing workplace or trying to decide whether your new retail store will require employees to adhere to a dress code, consider the broad benefits and potential drawbacks — like backlash from casual-dressing employees — of such a move. —Houston Chronicle The point is, people will choose to sit elsewhere even when the only flaw with a table is a discarded napkin. That’s it. Its unpleasing appearance is enough to turn off person after person. Although a bit strange, it’s true. And, it begs the question — are employee dress codes good or bad? Employee Dress Codes Pros and Cons Okay, so there are a number of dumb office rules that drive employees crazy. But, some make sense to enforce. When it comes to employee dress codes, it’s not always cut and dry. This means, while an employee dress code can actually be a good policy, it can also be a bad idea. Here are some employee dress code pros and cons to consider: Pro — professional appearance. The single biggest benefit of an employee dress code is it provides a professional appearance. It’s especially useful in retail settings and offices. In the former, uniforms distinguish employees while the latter, business casual provides a professional yet laid back experience. Con — stifles personal style. Although a dress code does provide a more professional experience, it also can stifle personal style. That can mean rebellion, particularly in an office setting. Team members might feel an imposition and possibly a bit untrusted. Pro — provides “uniform” experience. Of course, you’d like your business to send a uniform message, which uniforms undeniably provide. However, in an office setting, this is a little more problematic. But, broad rules with clear prohibitions usually works well. Con — needs consistent policing. Now, the biggest downside of any dress code is the need to police it constantly and consistently. Otherwise, it’s just a suggestion and not enforced policy. At least, that’s the way employees will feel. What other pros and cons of employee dress codes have you experienced? Do you favor a strict dress code or a loose one? Please share your thoughts and experiences by commenting! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

How Small Businesses Can Copy the Disney Club 33 Concept Without Charging Customers a Hefty Price

November 20, 2025 No Comments

Small businesses not only need ways to stand out from competitors but also to provide customers with unique value. That’s not an easy task. Fortunately, it’s not necessary to reinvent the wheel. Instead, entrepreneurs can take a page from a proven playbook. And one great place to find such a combination is Disney.

Starting a New Retail Business? Don’t Forget to Dress (Your Employees) for Success!

August 10, 2023 No Comments

For a startup retail business, creating a strong brand identity is crucial to stand out in a competitive market. In other words, details matter and they matter a lot when it comes to brand identity. So, nothing should be overlooked. For instance, employee uniforms play a significant role in shaping that identity, as they are a direct representation of your brand and values. The right employee uniforms can reinforce your brand message, foster a sense of unity among your team, and leave a lasting impression on customers. How New Start-Up Retailers Should Choose Employee Uniforms When you’re starting a new retail business, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is what to wear. Do you want your employees to wear uniforms? If so, what kind of uniforms will best represent your brand? With this in mind, here are a few things to consider when selecting employee uniforms for a startup retail business: Your brand identity. What kind of image do you want to project to your customers? Do you want your employees to look professional, stylish, or casual? The style of your uniforms should reflect your brand identity. The type of work your employees do. If your employees are going to be on their feet all day, you’ll need to choose comfortable uniforms that can withstand wear and tear. If your employees are working in a hazardous environment, you’ll need to choose uniforms that provide protection. Your budget. Uniforms can be expensive, so you’ll need to set a budget before you start shopping. There are a variety of ways to save money on uniforms, such as buying them in bulk or looking for discounts. Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start shopping for uniforms. But, before you begin your search, you should do a few things first so you don’t wind up wasting valuable time. Here are a few tips for finding the right uniforms for your startup retail business: Talk to your employees. Get their input on what they would like to wear. They’ll be the ones wearing the uniforms, so it’s important that they feel comfortable and confident in them. Shop around. Compare prices from different vendors before you make a decision. You may be able to find a better deal if you shop online and/or look for discounts. Choose a reputable vendor. Make sure the vendor you choose has a good reputation for quality and customer service. After all, as your business grows, you’ll need a reliable source for future uniforms. With a little planning, you can find the perfect employee uniforms for your startup retail business. Your uniforms will help to create a professional and polished image for your brand, and they’ll make your employees feel confident and comfortable. Now, to ensure you’re making the right decision, here are some additional tips for selecting employee uniforms for a startup retail business: Choose colors that complement your store’s branding. If your store has a specific color scheme, choose uniforms that match or coordinate with those colors. This will help to create a cohesive look for your employees and your store. Consider the climate where your store is located. If you’re located in a warm climate, you’ll need to choose uniforms that are lightweight and breathable. If you’re located in a cold climate, you’ll need to choose uniforms that are warm and comfortable. Make sure the uniforms are comfortable and durable. This is definitely worth repeating. Your employees will be spending a lot of time in their uniforms, so it’s important that they’re comfortable and durable. Choose uniforms that are made from high-quality materials that will withstand wear and tear. Consider the needs of your employees. Some employees may have special needs, such as uniforms that are loose-fitting or that accommodate disabilities. Make sure to consider the needs of your employees when choosing uniforms. By following these tips and using your own judgment and getting input from others, you can select employee uniforms that will help to create a professional and polished image for your startup retail business. Your uniforms will make your employees feel confident and comfortable, and they’ll help to promote your brand. Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.