When it comes to getting the most from those who work for you, what practices do you have in play to do just that?

For some business owners, a competitive salary and a strong benefits package will do the trick. Others, meantime, will tout the opportunities for growth up the corporate ladder. Still others will highlight the working conditions at their companies are second to none.

No matter which group you fall into (maybe you even have tricks not mentioned that woo potential employees), always remember that getting the most out of your workers not only benefits them over time, but it is also crucial to obtaining and keeping happy customers.

With that in mind, here are some tips to getting the most from your workers each and every day of the work week:

• Right tools – Do you provide your employees with the right tools in order to get their jobs done properly? Some workplaces are well-suited with the latest in technology (computers, apps, printers etc.), while others are working with equipment from years ago. In order to present both your brand and employees in the best light to consumers, make sure you give your team technology that is equal to or preferably better than what the competition has. This also translates to items such as their desks, chairs, lighting, cubicles etc. Whether it is time to order new desks or conference room chairs, make sure your staff doesn’t feel like working in your office place is akin to being in prison ;
• Positive reinforcement – Very few employees will want to work for an owner who is constantly negative. Yes, there are times when you need to be direct with employees and even correct them, but those times should be in small doses, not to mention done via one-on-one terms and not in front of other co-workers. Although the employee is getting a salary (perhaps benefits), giving them positive reinforcement when they do something exceptionally well never hurts. You can take things an additional step by having “fun” contests in the different departments in your office. Put incentives out there for your employees to strive for can do nothing but boost morale and likely results;
• Periodic reviews – You should also do periodic assessments with your staff, letting each of them know what is working, what may not be working, and how everyone can improve (including yourself) as a team. Some businesses are spot-on when it comes to doing reviews, others all but skip them. One of the advantages of doing such reviews in your workplace is that they can correct any missteps taking place, along with giving employees a goal or goals to strive for sooner rather than later. Keep any reviews professional (no need to browbeat an employee) and reinforce such meetings with positives overtones.

In order to get top production from your employees, make this the year that you truly see what is and isn’t working in your workplace.

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About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business and marketing topics on the web.