As a manager, it can be a real challenge to find good employees. But when you do, are you able to retain them? Often times, the reason that employees leave an organization is that they are unhappy with the management that oversees their work. This can not only make it difficult to keep your quality employees, but it can lead to a chaotic work environment that many managers want to avoid.

To ensure that your team of workers is satisfied with their employment at your company, you need to improve the way that you manage them. By understanding their needs, as well as your own, can help you to be a better manager and keep your employees happy and with your business for the long haul. Try these tips to manage your employees and keep them around as your company grows. 

Keep Your Employees Motivated

There is something to be said for a motivated employee. They are interested in the job that they are performing, and they look forward to coming to work each and every day. As a manager, it is your job to ensure that your staff is challenged in their position and has a job that they enjoy doing. The more that you can help your employees realize they are an important part of your team, the apter they will be to give it their all.

Don’t Micromanage

Managers are often consumed with every detail about the job and the steps an employee takes to complete the project. However, this type of micromanaging can lead to disastrous results, and employees may retaliate in response. When you hire good employees, there is no need to oversee every aspect of their job when you can use a number of tools to your advantage. You don’t have to constantly call, email, or check in on them when a software app that lends itself to scheduling can do it for you without intrusion. Your workers will know where they should be and what they should be doing without having to hear you reiterate it day-after-day. 

Make Your Expectations Known

Your employees do need some guidance, and that is what can make the difference between a good manager and an aggressive manager. Once you have made your expectations known to your employees, there is no reason to hang over their heads and watch. Yes, you need to keep a watchful eye on them at times, but a good employee will know what needs to be done, and the expectations that need to be met. Make it clear to your staff what their responsibilities are but have some trust that they won’t let you down in the process. 

Offer More Career Opportunities

Employees want opportunities, and without some sort of path or advancement ahead, your workers may stale to the prospect of working for you. Offer your workers the opportunity to move ahead in their career. Provide training, offer mentoring, and give your employees something to strive for each day. When your staff can see the end goal, they will easily know what they need to do to achieve it. Not only will you benefit from their performance, but you will soon have a worker that you can bring into the inner fold to help you run your business. 

Give Recognition When Deserved

Nothing can make an employee feel better about working for their employer than a little recognition for a job well done. Offering your appreciation for their hard work or excellent performance can go a long way in promoting employee engagement. Your team will look up to you as a manager that treats them with respect and knows how hard they work to get the job done. Just saying thanks can give your team that much-needed boost when times get tough. Plus, they will be more likely to help you out in a pinch or when a project requires more hours because they know that you will appreciate their effort with some recognition. 

Keep The Lines Of Communication Open’

Managers need to talk to their employees and understand what is keeping them from doing the best job that they can. Your team may be unsatisfied with the working conditions or even worse, you as a manager. They may be having difficulties at home or with a co-worker, but they need to be able to come to you to talk. When you have an open-door policy, your employees will feel more comfortable coming to you when an issue arises. They will talk to you, and you can help them come up with a solution to the problem that is plaguing their performance at work before it becomes a bigger issue to deal with.

Get To Know Your Employees

Lastly, as a manager, you need to know all the employees on your team. Find out a little about them and know where their preferences and skills reside. You may be able to use this information to your advantage as you match their talents up to specific projects and help them to succeed in their career goals with your company. Take the time to talk to your employees and know a little about their life. The effort will not go unnoticed by them, and you will soon be looked at by them as more than a manager, but a person that cares enough to ask about their day. 

When you are looking to improve your management skills, keep these tips in mind. A little bit of initiative on your part as a manager can go a long way in gaining respect and acceptance from your employees. Remember, there is no need to micromanage when you have the right tools and knowledge to keep your employees happy and working for you for the long term.