Additionally, most said that didn’t change much over several months on the job. That might account for the low morale in small businesses!
According to the poll, a large number of employees are frustrated, even depressed over their jobs, because of the “confusion” in the workplace.
More importantly, they said they would NOT recommend their employers to others. Is anyone saying, “Ouch!”
With that news, I have NO trouble believing that poll, having done my own unscientific research. In addition, I talk directly each day with business owners and managers about this very issue and they acknowledge the problem. Moreover, I wrote about this topic in my book, System Busters: How to Stop Them In Your Business.
The Reason for Low Morale in Small Business
Imagine working in an environment where you don’t really know what’s required of you. You’re unable to access necessary information to do your job without tip-toeing around your supervisor, as you fear asking a “stupid” question. God forbid, the boss should decide you are really NOT capable. Maybe he’ll suggest you have a bad memory, bordering on Alzheimer’s! To say nothing of giving you that LOOK that says, “You should know that, idiot!”
Management should give a detailed orientation on how the company operates, to all new hires. In addition, the new hire should be given a clearly defined Job Description and a step-by-step Daily Routine Checklist of their most important duties. In fact, this Daily Routine Checklist should cover the time they arrive until they leave in the afternoon. These checklists should also contain references to company policies and procedures for doing their various duties. Given that information, new hires can hit the ground running with these tools. Again, what management expects is clearly defined, and should give peace to new hires!
New Hires Given The Tool They Need to Do Their Job
If new hires are to perform a CRUCIAL service or manufacturing process, they should have a detailed Quality Control Checklist. This resource provides the best possible chance for new hires to do their best work for a company, right out of the gate. Therefore, eliminating the worry that they may MISSTEP, which could result in rework. Not to mention, lost revenue.
It’s also important that employees have evaluation and performance charts available. Because, new hires should know where they stand with the company.
In summary, employee insecurity, as to their effectiveness in their job, is detrimental to initiative and incentive.
Many owners and managers make the excuse, “If we had systems in place, I couldn’t get my employees to use them anyway!” Sadly, some say they “don’t have time” to write procedures, policies, etc. for their business. Even while they grumble about the waste and losing profits, doing rework. Go figure!
Did I mention? Great systems work! (At least, when you have them)