A great staff is the lifeblood of a successful small business. While you may, as a business owner, often feel pressure to focus on the specific fiscal details of your operation — balance sheets, inventory, orders, rent, and other expenses — it is essential to avoid neglecting the vital role your employees play in your company’s success. Here are a few ways to get the most from your staff, and ultimately promote healthy growth for the company.

Encourage Initiative

Some small business owners tend to micromanage daily work at the office. While concern for quality work is understandable, your company will ultimately run best — and you’ll feel most secure — if you can delegate work to a capable and creative staff. Encouraging initiative and creativity among staff are essential in this process. Employees who can handle unexpected business challenges will be invaluable assets to the company. Moreover, staff members who have leeway to make responsible choices tend to be more loyal to and supportive of the company as a whole.

Communicate Openly and Honestly

Just as poor communication can doom the inner workings of a company, great communication can serve as the indispensable ingredient in allowing everything to run smoothly. By communicating directly and honestly with your staff, you will encourage them to do the same with each other and with customers.

The benefits of open communication are innumerable. You will be more attuned to potential business or interpersonal problems as they arise, allowing you to swiftly deal with any issue before it becomes a major hassle. Likewise, simply fostering an atmosphere of open communication will encourage respect and integrity in business dealings, a priceless asset for any company.

Reward Good Work

Employees who know they are valued are likely to continue and increase good work. Try to reward great work in whatever ways are feasible for your company.

If margins are too tight to afford substantial employee benefits, you can still offer smaller perks, like paid time off, vacation days, company discounts, or bonuses. Any of these tactics can serve as affordable and meaningful ways to honor quality output. These techniques will also foster loyalty and encourage people to want to work for your company.

In short, it’s essential to recognize the incalculable value of your company’s staff. By utilizing the above techniques, you can demonstrate to your staff that they are valued, and ultimately work to foster the overall health of your company.