Employee relations in key performance areas such as business communications and skills are often neglected in a busy workforce, leaving staff confused and unhappy.

Having twice won the prestigious national Investors in People Award our business undertands that staff interaction, communication and teamwork are vital factors in company development. In today's competitive business market, purpose, vision, social responsibility, learning, and fair recruitment are the factors to get right. Managers must be able to demonstrate leadership qualities, with constructive criticism. Motivation and reward are important factors.

Employers should encourage employees to take responsibility and they must have access to information for decision making, together with an effective, flexible approach from management.

1. Plans are the seeds of flowering goals
Ensure your business plan, core values and ongoing strategy is effectively communicated to staff which will help build respect, boosting team and individual achievement.

2. The happiness factor
A happier team is likely to be more productive. Tense moments are a part of day to day business pressure. During these times, strive to keep atmosphere controlled and balanced so that staff feel challenged, not intimidated.

3. Signposts to a pay rise
Help your workforce see reward up ahead, rather than fruitless toil: align staff bonuses and increments with clearly communicated performance targets.

4. If only staff could talk
Encourage consistent feedback. This will give good indication of the overall sentiments in the business and help you build a calm and contented atmosphere with a ‘two way' feeling.

5. The art of listening
An annual ‘team retreat' helps to achieve pre-set goals with the chance to discuss matters outside the office environment. Establish a good balance between business focus, team building and fun.

6. Work without the benefit of hindsight
Annual or bi-annual appraisal helps to identify staff issues and resolve them early before any serious difficulties may arise. In addition, weekly and monthly staff meetings with clear objectives and agreed outcomes provide focus.

7. Everyone loves a prize
A monthly team feedback with a scoring mechanism and awards means management can better identify issues and put them right. Employees will feel relaxed, motivated and more confident.

8. Ideas, ideas, ideas
An ideas book is a great attraction to staff; most will like their contribution being considered and many innovative ideas increase income.

9. Train to gain
Create a staff training plan. When people are trained to deliver a quality service within a supportive and knowledgeable team, it instills confidence. Make learning and development consistent, ensuring skilled staff can work in a flexible way, helping the business to manage the demands of a changing market place.

10. Commitment... a word not to be feared
Maintain a high level of commitment by fully engaging with your staff; involve them in planning and decision making. Staff will feel a moral responsibility for the success of your company, a great team boost.

For more information please visit www.ossmanassociates.com [1]