Running a shop is tough. You’ll always be worried about how you are going to compete with other, bigger businesses. You’ll be seeking out new ways to promote your stock and brand and trying to come up with new products and ideas. Every day will be spent not just selling, and building relationships with your customers, but on administration, HR issues, staffing problems and complaints. Good stores don’t just run themselves; a lot of work goes into it.

A vital element of a successful store is its staff. Talented and happy staff contribute more than just their abilities to stock a shelf or ring a bill through the till. They bring ideas. They make suggestions when it comes to visual merchandising and layout. They keep your store looking its best as they take pride in where they work. Good staff offer up ways to improve your business and take the time to look after it. Perhaps most importantly of all, excellent team members provide fantastic customer service. They chat with customers, they get to know them, and they offer more than just a transaction. They build relationships. But, finding the staff that do all of these things isn’t always easy and keeping them is even harder.

One way to do it is by creating a more positive workspace. The staff that work in a positive environment are happier and more creative. Your team will be more loyal and harder working. In a positive atmosphere, staff don’t stand around finding ways to pass the time, counting down the hours until they can leave, which whether they realize it or not, affects the mood of customers and influences their spending choices. They welcome people in with a smile. They improve moods, drive traffic and sales and help your business to grow. So, clearly, a positive workspace is crucial. But how do you do it?

Welcome People In

The outside of your store is crucial. A neat storefront with an eye-catching window display and the work of an awnings company doesn’t just attract customers and get you noticed. It also welcomes your staff members in and starts their workday off on the right foot.

Keep Things Bright

Your staff spend more time inside your store and on the shop floor than anyone else. They are there for hours, sometimes on their own with no one to talk to. If your store is dark and dull, with no natural light, they might soon start to feel fatigued, bored and even depressed. Keep things bright with light walls and plenty of natural light, and avoid overcrowding to create a more positive space.

Lead By Example

Staff respect a manager that works. They moan about and resent the ones that don’t. If you want to keep them in a good mood, get stuck in. Lead by example with a smile on your face and the people that work for you will feel more positive.

Don’t Neglect Behind the Scenes Areas

Many business owners make the mistake of neglecting the back of house areas because customers don’t see them. But your employees do. Look after these areas, add displays and essential information and keep them clean and tidy.

Praise Them

A little bit of praise goes a long way. Congratulate people on a job well done, even on the average mundane days where not much happens. Thank them for coming in and doing their job, and they’ll leave with a smile.