No one wants to feel undervalued at work. To encourage business development and sustain success, employers must take care to empower employees, taking explicit measures to help them feel appreciated, competent, and integral to the team. The following guide offers a few ways to help employees grow and thrive, which ultimately aids in positive small business development.

3 Tips for Employee Empowerment

1. Listen Carefully

Many employers forget that their employees have a lot to teach them, too. By encouraging your employees to speak up and listening carefully when they do, you promote an environment of trust and understanding. You also may come across an innovative idea or two that will propel your business forward. Furthermore, listening equips you with the knowledge you need to address your employees’ unique needs and wishes. In general, a greater diversity of ideas will foster a well-rounded, prosperous future for your business.

2. Allot Ample Boundaries

Setting strict boundaries for your employees may impede their performance. If you want to help your employees grow and thrive, you need to trust them to make decisions. Whether you allow them to set their own hours or determine the parameters for a project, encouraging an independent environment helps employees make the smartest choices for any given task; they will also feel empowered to take matters into their own hands. Plus, by providing space for your employees, you reduce the risk of them constantly seeking management counsel for tasks they could complete without assistance.

3. Praise & Reward

Employees will not pour all their energy and passion into their work if they feel under-compensated or unappreciated, nor should employers expect them to. To promote business development, praise your employees for specific achievements, compensate them adequately, and provide avenues for team members to move up and grow with the company.

Rather than constantly punish your employees for errors, concentrate on forgiveness and create strategies to move forward. When you create a positive work environment rather than one based on fear and retribution, everyone will feel happier and more productive. Plus, anxious, fearful people may be more likely to make mistakes in the first place.  

For more help with employee empowerment and business growth, contact Greater North County Chamber of Commerce. Based in Florissant, MO, the knowledgeable team wants to see you and your business succeed. To help you do so, they invite all businesses within a 20-mile radius to sign up for informative small business services, from classes to networking opportunities. To learn more about becoming a member, visit the local organization online. If you would like to get started with your small business development plan, call the Chamber of Commerce today at (314) 831-3500.