An article recently cited a study done by the University of Lancashire, which found that employees who are less than enthusiastic about their work have a strong tendency to reach for pick me ups which are relatively unhealthy; things such as chocolate and coffee topped the list.
Whilst some amount of boredom at work is normal, a consistently unenthusiastic workforce will of course, hinder the success of a business and the consumption of unhealthy drinks and snacks which are used to alleviate boredom could lead to staff that are physically unwell. Of course, staff should still take regular short breaks throughout the day, but why not replace the caffeinated drinks in the canteen with herbal teas; this will ensure that no matter how many times staff refill their corporate company mugs, they’ll still be in top form when it comes to work.
If, as a business owner or manager, you are concerned about a certain lack of excitement when it comes to the work staff are set, it may be time to create a strategy which can improve the situation. One way in which to increase employee enthusiasm is to enlarge their work responsibilities. Not, of course, to the point where they feel overwhelmed, as this is likely to create the same results as a workload which is not challenging. Many employees feel apathetic in regards to work because they feel they do not have a significant impact on the business, so giving them extra responsibilities which still lie in their field of expertise can be a great way to make them feel excited about their work. Another take on this strategy is to enlarge the staff member’s job, not by giving them a larger quantity of tasks, but by increasing the complexity of the work that they already do.
The second tactic is to cross train employees; that is, begin to train employees for other sectors of the business. The term ‘variety is the spice of life’ is a cliché for a reason; the vast majority of people not only want, but need some kind of variety in their work day. Training employees in new responsibilities will of course cost the business money; however, it should really be seen as an investment, as this type of ‘cross training’ can also benefit the business, as employees can cover each other’s workloads when one person is ill or out of the office.
Whilst some amount of boredom at work is normal, a consistently unenthusiastic workforce will of course, hinder the success of a business and the consumption of unhealthy drinks and snacks which are used to alleviate boredom could lead to staff that are physically unwell. Of course, staff should still take regular short breaks throughout the day, but why not replace the caffeinated drinks in the canteen with herbal teas; this will ensure that no matter how many times staff refill their corporate company mugs, they’ll still be in top form when it comes to work.
If, as a business owner or manager, you are concerned about a certain lack of excitement when it comes to the work staff are set, it may be time to create a strategy which can improve the situation. One way in which to increase employee enthusiasm is to enlarge their work responsibilities. Not, of course, to the point where they feel overwhelmed, as this is likely to create the same results as a workload which is not challenging. Many employees feel apathetic in regards to work because they feel they do not have a significant impact on the business, so giving them extra responsibilities which still lie in their field of expertise can be a great way to make them feel excited about their work. Another take on this strategy is to enlarge the staff member’s job, not by giving them a larger quantity of tasks, but by increasing the complexity of the work that they already do.
The second tactic is to cross train employees; that is, begin to train employees for other sectors of the business. The term ‘variety is the spice of life’ is a cliché for a reason; the vast majority of people not only want, but need some kind of variety in their work day. Training employees in new responsibilities will of course cost the business money; however, it should really be seen as an investment, as this type of ‘cross training’ can also benefit the business, as employees can cover each other’s workloads when one person is ill or out of the office.
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