It can be difficult improving the morale in your business. It can also be challenging to try to please everybody and for everyone to do their job correctly.

As a result, here are some suggestions on how to improve the work environment within your business and employees.

1. Study your work environment and the people who work there

As a business owner or manager, it is important to get a feel for every person who works there. Take some time to get to know your employees and ask questions about what your employees think of working there. Be aware and alert with the internal communications in your business.

2. Develop a plan

Draft a plan spelling out what you want your employees to accomplish. A business owner must know where the company is headed and to be able to put this in writing. Developing an effective business plan can save time and money for you and your employees.

3. Talking to your employees is important

Communicate with your employees on a regular basis. It is important that everyone is on the same wavelength. The last thing you want is to have some of your employees go do one thing and meanwhile the other half of the office is going in another direction. This leads to wasted time and effort. Talk with your team members daily to be sure everyone is doing what they are supposed to. This will save you a lot of time and money.

You and your business will be a lot more successful if you take the time to treat your employees well. There are so many businesses out there that lose money because the work productivity and morale is very bad. If you intend to make money in your business, then treat your employees well.

4. Treat people with respect

Treat your employees with the respect they deserve and don’t take advantage of them. Remind yourself that your employees have feelings and that it is your responsibility to show respect and kindness. There is no excuse for being rude to your employees.

Always show that you care. Many managers and business owners are so busy that they neglect the personal well-being of their workers. Showing that you care about the people who work for you can gain loyalty from your workers and increase productivity.

5. Don’t show favoritism.

When making decisions regarding your employees, it is important to be fair. Making decisions that shows favoritism to certain individuals will create jealousy and bad morale for the rest of your employees. Each employee should be treated fairly and granted the same opportunities as everyone else at your company.

Do not forget to praise staffers who do a good job. Don’t assume that any worker is beyond hearing some encouragement and don’t take anyone for granted. A simple thank you or a pat on the back is a great way to let workers feel appreciated and that their accomplishments are being noticed.

6. Share your success with others

It’s understandable that many business owners want to keep the profits all for themselves and for the company, however this can backfire on you. Being cheap with your employees can cause resentment. This resentment will encourage some workers to do just the bare minimum. If you want to increase productivity with your employees, share your monetary success with your workers with bonuses and incentive programs.

7. Show that you care

Many managers and business owners are so busy that they neglect the well-being of their workers. Let’s say that you find out that a certain employee has to go to physical therapy 3 days a week because of their back. When the time is right, ask this person how their back is feeling and if its getting any better. Showing that you care about the people who work for you can gain respect and loyalty from your workers. This will lead to more productivity.

8. Reduce any potential conflicts

Things will not always go smoothly. When a potential problem starts to emerge among your staff, try to find a solution immediately. Do not let potential conflicts drag on from week to week. Use your problem-solving skills to prevent arguments. Be open-minded and willing to see where your employees are coming from.

9. Be fair in your decision making process

When making decisions regarding your business and workers its important to be fair. Making decisions that will help a portion of your workers and not the rest of them can lead to jealousy and bad morale. Be fair with everyone and make sure you are not showing favoritism among certain people. This can lead to problems down the road.

10. Be trustworthy

Become known as an honest person at your company. You will increase your chances of people liking you if your employees respect you. Always tell the truth and do not rush to judgement when things do not go according to plan. Always take responsibility for your mistakes and don’t make excuses. You will be well liked if people know that they can rely on you for any kinds of assistance that your employees may experience.

11. Participate in your work’s social gatherings

Many companies offer various social gatherings to enhance teamwork. Make sure you go to these events so people can get to know you outside of the office. Talk to members of management and try to find common interests besides work. It is important that the people you work for know you both professionally and socially.

12. Stay on top of things

Do not put things off when you can do them today. As a business leader, it is important to have your team members do what they can during the day. Don’t have them assume that they can do it next week. You never know when something may come up and being efficient on a daily basis can prevent future problems down the road.

13. Talk to others for advice

If your still having trouble improving morale in your office, talk to others who can give you advice on what you can do. Do not be quick to make any decisions that could cause problems for you down the road.

Remember to take things one day at a time. Instead of worrying about your employees and your business try to focus on what you can do in the present. Each day can provide us with different opportunities and that includes learning how to deal with your business challenges. Have an open mind and be on the lookout in finding ways in improving business morale and increasing business productivity.

Stan Popovich is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear”. For more information, visit: www.managingfear.com.