Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
Despite your best management efforts, even a dream job can become monotonous for employees. It makes sense when you consider that they perform roughly the same tasks, in the same space, with the same people, for potentially years. Monotony is expected in most jobs. But, does that mean you as an owner/manager should sit back and let boredom reign? It may be time to avoid monotony and boredom and bring some life back to your business/workplace.
Consider that 33% of people admit that boredom is their main reason for leaving a job. Unfortunately, this type of unecessary turnover can cost you a great deal of time and money. Even the employees who do stay are unlikely to produce their best work on a zombie-like autopilot. So, what can be done to shake things up and create a place that your staff wants to be?
Step 1: Outsource Repetitive Tasks
Even employees who love their jobs tend to hate repetitive daily tasks like handling customer complaints, filing invoices, or packing shipping orders. After all did they sign up for these tasks or have they been pushed on them?
Fortunately, it’s possible to outsource the majority of repetitive tasks via outlets like an order fulfilment company, customer call centres, and even bookkeeping professionals. As well as taking the boredom off the table, removing these sideline tasks frees your team to focus on what they love doing for your company. This might include securing client deals or actively delivering services they believe in. All without a repetitive task in sight.
Step 2: Employ Gamification Techniques
If an employee’s been with you for 10+ years, they might be bored by more than just repetitive tasks. Luckily, there is a way to bring the spark back, and it simply involves shaking things up using gamification techniques.
It doesn’t mean you need to choose daily tasks using a game spinner (though this could be a great option if it appeals). Implementing subtle games that up the ante on workplace operations can be fun and leave them guessing what is next. Something as simple as asking different teams to create pitches for the same account and picking a winner, or challenging employees to outstrip their performance with a new project, can all work wonders for getting your team invested all over again.
Step 3: Customize Your Workplace
Bland, unpleasant workplaces add to monotony and visual boredom. Having happier employees is worth the investment of creating an aestetic environment and injecting some fun. Popular appealing office colors with a purpose include blue for better productivity, green for concentration, and yellow for motivation.
You might also benefit from collecting your team’s favorite inspirational quotes and stencilling them on walls for easy viewing. Equally, spending time outside has been proven to significantly refresh and reboot bored employees. Developing even a small garden with break time benches could be the breath of fresh air your employees need.
As you can see, if you want to avoid monotony and bordom at your business, it is possible with some attention and focus. Additionally, effort to improve your team’s experience can build morale and show that you care about them.
