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Industry News

 

Top 10 Tips for Keeping Staff Happy and Business Booming

Thursday June 4, 2009

 

Chicago
At the Law of Offices of Jeffrey Kroll, Jeff’s staff, many of whom have worked with him for over 10 years, feel lucky to be in such a supportive environment. Kroll takes his entire office to lunch three times a week, allows for ample flexibility and creates a very congenial environment. The majority of Jeff’s office left a prominent law firm in Chicago that has longevity and higher salaries to work for him. His office has a friendly, warm, yet professional vibe, opposite of most law firms.
 
Before the recession and looming threat of job loss became a factor in the life of the American employee, many people were already spending more time at work than at home. Today that pattern has become cemented in the American workplace. In the midst of a struggling economy, for employers, keeping your staff happy is not only an investment in your relationship, it is an investment in your business.

You cannot expect more from your workers, knowing that they are grateful to have a job and won’t complain. Retaining talented staff takes work. A happy employee is a productive employee. They are the only way to keep your business alive, or even growing, in this economy.
 
Here are a few tips Jeff Kroll has learned:

1. Enable employees to balance work and personal life. Allow flexible starting and finishing times.
2. Consider telecommuting when personal issues arise. As long as their work is getting done, trust them — don’t micromanage.
3. Allow for casual attire when clients are not on-site, particularly in the summer when it can be uncomfortable to wear formal business attire.
4. Make the workplace a pleasant place to work with music, water bubblers, coffee/tea facilities, and complimentary snacks from time to time.
5. Involve staff, whenever possible, in decisions that affect their jobs and the overall direction of the business or department. Keep them in the loop.
6. Reward hard work, even small goals: there’s no point in waiting until the year-end bonus, it won’t keep anyone going for an entire year. People need short-term rewards.
7. Offer to help your staff when they feel overwhelmed. If you cannot help, just acknowledging their workload can go a long way.
8. When you give constructive criticism, ask for it in return.
9. Schedule weekly meetings that are held consistently in person. Allow for open dialogue and privacy to allow the employee to speak openly.
10. Have off-site meals at least once a month for team building and to show appreciation.

Jeff feels lucky to have such a great staff: "Employers need to remember that a little bit goes a long way. My staff is like family to me. It was not too long ago that I had to answer to a boss, and I remember clearly what motivated me and what it felt like to be on the other side of the desk. Our office is a productive and upbeat place. We like to work together. I think our clients sense that and it puts them at ease. Of course, great results don’t hurt either.”
 
“I actually look forward to coming to the office every day,” said associate Jessica Bloodgood. “The fact that Jeff respects our lives outside the office, not only makes me feel respected as an employee, but also as an individual. It helps me focus on the task at hand and focus on the client.”
 
Associate Heather Begley agreed, “I know Jeff values my work and appreciates the results I get. It is encouraging to receive praise and recognition, especially when you put in long hours. I find myself working that much harder in return because I am so appreciative of the flexibility that he offers.”

For more info: http://www.kroll-lawfirm.com