Though everyone likes to think their small business will grow and change without any awkwardness or pains, the truth is that growing your small business is a lot like growing up. You will undoubtedly have a few Growing Pains and learning lessons, but will get through it smarter and more mature as a result. 

Here are some handy tips on keeping your employees happy through all the change and growth your business will experience through the years. 

Be Transparent

To develop trust and confidence between employees and management, transparency about company affairs and happenings is key. However, it’s important to strike a balance between being transparent and over-sharing, so be sure to be open about events or developments that may affect your team or that they would like to know about.

You can further this transparency and establish trust with frequent check-ins on morale and promoting an overall company culture of honesty, positivity and support. 

Show Gratitude 

No one likes to feel overlooked or unappreciated, especially employees. In fact, a recent Glassdoor survey found that 81% of workers are motivated to work harder when their boss indicates their work is appreciated — meaning that an unappreciated employee isn’t working as hard. 

To improve morale, productivity and ensure all of your employees feel appreciated for their hard work, make sure your team members can feel your gratitude as their boss. This doesn’t have to be a huge gesture of gratitude, or even a public one. An email, note or phone call expressing appreciation for their hard work gets the job done and lets your employees know you see and are thankful for what they’re doing.

Communicate

Communication is key, especially for the success of a small business. Effective communication with your team eliminates confusion, clears up any misunderstandings and can even create a sense of community among team members that makes work not only easier, but more enjoyable for everyone involved. 

To ensure you’re communicating effectively whenever possible, be sure all messaging between you and your team is clear; including in meetings, check-in emails, and company-wide community messaging. 

For more information on getting past small business growing pains and keeping your employees happy, check out this visual from Thimble.

Contributor

Emily is a content creator in Austin, Texas, who loves her dog, her roller skates and a good documentary. When she isn’t typing away at her desk, you can find her plotting her next trip to Big Bend National Park or making and deleting online shopping carts.

The post 3 Ways Keep Your Employees Happy Through Business Growing Pains appeared first on SmartHustle.com.