Here Are 8 Ways to Support Your Team at Work

Many industries are still struggling with finding staff and to retain the current talent you need to know how to support your team. Otherwise, in the age of the great resignation, you'll lose them too. And I'm not just talking about supporting your employees' mental health. I mean making sure you know how to be a great leader and someone your workers can look up to. Intrigued? Keep reading!

8 Ways You Can Support Your Team at Work

1. Check-in and Communicate Effectively

If you decide to check in on your team only when they're struggling, don't expect a lack of motivation. You need to make your employees aware that you follow their progress and are available for them. Of course, this requires setting a reliable method of communication like a group chat, email or face to face. Whatever works for your team better.

The idea is to show your team that you are engaged and your constructive feedback will help them succeed. It will boost the team's morale, motivate them and establish a sense of trust. And without trust, you can't build a strong team.

2. Promote Learning Opportunities

One of the reasons some employees look for a new job is the lack of growth opportunities at their workplace. I'm sure everyone wants to support their employees but sometimes is hard to know how. Well, if you take a look at the first point, you might hear your employee telling you just that. They're interested in developing a new skill or would like to learn from another employee how to perform better. My advice is: Listen. Evaluate. Accommodate. If a team member comes to you asking for growth opportunities, it's a sign they're ambitious, motivated and want to do more. It's a win-win situation for them and the company. So, find ways to accommodate them by offering courses, training or allowing the employees to help each other out. Don't stem the growth of your team.

3. Support Your Team and Hear Them Out

Support your team by letting them express their ideas in a safe space. Why not arrange a 1-hour brainstorming session every Monday or a quick session to resolve an issue? With so many perspectives in one room, a result can be incredibly rewarding. Some are better at thinking outside of the box than others so use that. Moreover, allow for them to send you some ideas in an email after the session. Why? Not everyone is comfortable speaking out in public or in front of others. Even if you make the space as safe as possible, some ideas might just get lost in the excitement :)

4. Inspire Your Team

Storytelling is key. Everything we do and say is part of a bigger picture. Great entrepreneurs, speakers and leaders know the power of words. So, when you see your team completely demotivated, find a way to regain that spark. Look for ways to relate to them and show examples of overcoming a hurdle. Tell them about your (or someone else's) early career days, the error made and how it was solved. Prove that all is possible to overcome.

On the other hand, empowering your team does not end with storytelling. You can just as well inspire them to do better by encouraging them to take ownership of a project, voicing their opinion or offering a chance to train their skill. Be a reminder that they can achieve their best and you'll be there to support them.

5. Set Goals and Make Them Reasonable

Everyone wants to know what they're expected and working towards. Setting clear goals will help to clear any confusion and will inspire all to take responsibility for their work. It can be a source of great satisfaction to see your work complete in time and motivate further. However, as much as you should challenge your team to grow and develop, understand their limits.

If you put too much pressure on hitting targets, your team will feel burnt out and disappointed. Frustration isn't a good motivator. So, do set goals for your team and suggest your employees set personal goals for themselves too. In the end, it will lead to accountability, growth, and career development

6. Acknowledge Your Team's Accomplishments

Now, this is a GREAT motivator :) You don't have to only give feedback to criticise. You can also give positive feedback to celebrate your team's great work! Boost your employees' confidence by acknowledging their success. Everyone likes to feel appreciated and knowing you did a great job will only push you to do better.

Acknowledging achievements can be a simple thank you, highlighting the success in a group email, a gift or a cash bonus. Whatever feels appropriate for the occasion. As long as you do SOMETHING to appreciate their great work.

7. Be the Example

Did you reprimand someone for being 5 min late and 2 days ago came to work 15 min late yourself? And it wasn't your first time? Well, that seems hypocritical, right? Don't expect your employees to lose respect for you and take your actions as an example of what's acceptable. Do exactly what you expect of your team. Whether that's being punctual, truthful to clients or no personal phone calls at work. Lead by example. Moreover, show that you're part of the team and don't put yourself above others. Motivate them to follow your actions.

8. Support Your Team Wellbeing

One way to do that is to simply spend quality time with your team. Organise an outing, order pizza, have coffee chats every morning and simply get to know your team. Further, allow them to get to know each other. Great teamwork comes from good communication and people truly understanding how everyone operates.

Check-in with your staff, let them know you're there to support and make sure you give them tools to look after their mental health. That means resources, sufficient break time, reasonable goals and good communication. showing kindness and compassion to your team members will not be taken for granted.

Hopefully, you've found some useful advice to support your team at work from this blog. My last piece of advice would be to treat others how you'd want to be treated but also understand there are people who work differently. So, be inclusive and find out what works best for each of your employees. Remember, great communication is half of the success. :) And if helping people to grow in the workplace, and develop their skills is something you'd see yourself doing check out these opportunities!