The value of small improvements in the workplace
Engagement 4 minute read

The value of small improvements in the workplace

Megan Orr | June 27, 2023

There are many improvements in the workplace that can enhance the employee experience. Whether big or small, it’s important to always be looking for ways to make things better for your team.

Rise recently unveiled more than 30 improvements across the entire platform, from big features like our new Xero integration to smaller updates like the ability to unapprove pay runs. 

The improvements were inspired by feedback that we received from clients. We’ve had a lot of growth in the last few years and it was important for us to now focus on making our current features the best they could be. Our goal is not just to be a functional people management solution; our goal is to be the best people management solution.

This got us thinking about how so much of what we do at Rise for workplaces can be mirrored within workplaces—in particular, the idea of making small improvements that can have a big impact. Here are some ideas for small improvements in the workplace that you can implement at your organization. 

Employee engagement surveys are a great way to check the pulse of your organization. 

Completing regular, anonymous employee engagement surveys is one of the simplest ways to begin making improvements in the workplace. Send out a survey to employees to gauge how they feel about policies, procedures, leadership, workload distribution, career progression, benefits, etc., and use that data to inform further decision-making. 

Doing an employee survey is by itself a small step towards improvement, as it demonstrates to your team that you value their honest feedback. However, the real work is in dissecting and implementing the feedback. Make action plans based on your survey results and be sure to inform your employees of the steps you’re taking to make improvements in the workplace. 

Better communication is integral to organizational success. 

Another simple way to make improvements in the workplace is by focusing on better communication. This includes all types of communication: 1:1 meetings, top down syncs, team discussions, etc.. Effective communication is key to building strong relationships between team members, departments, and management. Communication helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals. When communication is poor, misunderstandings happen—potentially leading to delays, mistakes, and even conflicts. It’s essential to establish clear and open lines of communication throughout the organization.

When team members are able to communicate effectively, they can collaborate more efficiently and make better decisions. This can help to streamline processes, reduce errors, and ultimately improve the quality of work produced. Additionally, effective communication can help to increase trust and morale. When team members feel that they’re being heard and valued, they’re more likely to be engaged and motivated to work towards organizational goals.

Employee recognition programs can lead to many improvements in the workplace. 

Employee recognition programs can have a transformative impact on the workplace, leading to numerous improvements across various aspects of the organization. When employees are recognized for their contributions, achievements, and hard work, it can boost morale and motivation. Research shows that “when employees believe they will be recognized, they are 2.7x more likely to be highly engaged”.

Additionally, employee recognition programs enhance employee retention and loyalty. Recognizing and appreciating employees' efforts demonstrates that their work is valued, creating a sense of belonging and loyalty towards the organization and reducing turnover rates. In fact, studies show that one of the top reasons that employees leave their job is because of a lack of recognition. Employees who feel recognized are more likely to stay with the company long-term, saving you the high costs associated with recruiting and onboarding a replacement.

At Rise, we have an employee recognition shortcut built into our Slack. Employees are able to give each other shoutouts in our water cooler channel for everyone to see. It’s a great way to acknowledge one another for things that may otherwise go unnoticed. The shoutouts are then shared at our monthly all-hands meetings. 

Whether your organization is making big or small improvements in the workplace, your employees will appreciate any effort towards making your organization a better place to work. 

Wondering what Rise has been up to? Click here to read about our platform improvements that we made with you in mind.

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