Through my experiences as an entrepreneur, I have learnt that running a sustainable business is not merely the result of good strategy and sound financial management. There is a hidden element that powers the engine of every thriving company — its team.
And in the digital marketing landscape, a substantial part of that team comprises the ambitious and digitally native Generation Z. This vibrant generation has brought a new wave of expectations about work-life balance that are, quite honestly, challenging and transformative.
When I took my first steps into entrepreneurship, my knowledge of Human Resources (HR) was virtually non-existent. Candidly speaking, I held the somewhat dismissive view that HR was a mundane field. However, as I began to navigate the dynamics of managing a team, I realised that HR is not just integral but crucial to any company that aspires to grow.
Consider the futile cycle of endlessly training new hires because the environment you’ve created lacks opportunities for growth. Or, picture the countless hours invested into the hiring and interviewing process.
I soon grasped the significance of carving out a clear growth pathway within the organisation and fostering a positive company culture. These factors undeniably impact an employee’s sense of contentment.
When employees are fulfilled, their morale skyrockets, enhancing their dedication to their work. Their pleasure in their role shines through when interacting with clients, creating a ripple effect that, more often than not, beneficially impacts the company’s profitability.
Now, let’s demystify this concept of ‘work-life balance’. Often, we tend to equate maximum work with maximum productivity. The belief is the longer the hours, the more work gets done. But through my experience, I believe that there is a productive way to operate that both satisfy Gen Z employees and ensures business success.
Understanding ‘best work’ through a new lens
First, let’s redefine what we understand by ‘best work’. It isn’t about clocking in marathon hours or being the last one to turn off the office lights. It’s about achieving goals efficiently and creatively. It’s about having a clear headspace to innovate and problem-solve. It is important that you encourage your team to produce their best work within their working hours and respect their personal time.
Nurturing efficiency and motivation
A thriving workplace is not merely about productivity but also about prioritising the well-being of employees. Studies indicate that content employees are 20 per cent more productive. This elevated productivity often translates into heightened motivation, unwavering loyalty, enhanced performance, synergistic teamwork, satisfied customers, and, ultimately, a positive impact on the company’s bottom line.
Also Read: Our company culture thrives on creativity and collaboration: Daryl Lim of MetaPals
Instead of simply expecting employees to work long hours, business owners should focus on inspiring and training their teams to be more efficient. By honing their skills and helping them manage their time effectively, businesses can maintain high productivity levels without overburdening their workforce.
At Creative For More, we emphasize communicating clearly to prevent misdirection, daily stand-ups to enable team alignment and improve accountability and task tracking. My team and I also keep meetings short to avoid time wastage before people start checking out. The cumulative of these small habits contribute to fostering efficiency in the workplace.
Motivation also plays a significant role in improving efficiency, recognising good work, providing growth opportunities, and maintaining a positive work environment. All these contribute towards keeping an employee motivated, resulting in increased productivity.
Win-win outcomes
This approach also provides a win-win situation. On one side, it respects the priorities of Gen Z, offering them the work-life balance they seek. On the other hand, it helps businesses in achieving their goals without expecting employees to work beyond their regular hours.
As we reshape our work culture, we aren’t just trying to satisfy our team — we’re also paving the way for a more successful, efficient and respectful business environment. As entrepreneurs, it is our responsibility to build a company culture that not only aligns with our business vision but also respects the evolving expectations of our teams.
This journey of transformation is certainly challenging, but it’s a necessary one, and the lessons I’ve learnt over the years are invaluable. They remind me that the right culture isn’t about squeezing the most hours out of the workforce but about fostering an environment that brings out your team’s best potential – every single day.
And on a personal note, fostering a happy and dynamic workplace doesn’t just boost my team’s morale. It amplifies my own enjoyment of work. I love walking into an office buzzing with animated chatter, brimming with laughter, and witnessing my team passionately engage in discussions.
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