For many entrepreneurs, it often feels that they aren’t really making meaningful connections with their employees while they run things behind the scenes. Good leaders know that forging a bond with those you work with is a key to success, but it can be hard to find ways to do so. Here are a few ideas on how to better connect with and strengthen your workforce.

Hold Meetings

It’s hard to connect with your employees if you are never around them, but when you are running a business, it can sometimes be hard to make time to be with your employees. Meetings can be a great opportunity to meet with your employees and figure out more about what they want and need. Holding regular meetings is an important part of your business, so make it a point to have meetings and actually participate in a way that allows you to connect with your great employees.

Talk to Them

You can also connect with your employees more if you simply take a little time to talk to them one on one. You can do this to a certain degree in an annual review, but if you really want to connect, it should be a regular, and casual part of your work life. Walking around and asking employees questions can help facilitate open communication. Some of your interactions can be about work, but you can also just get to know them better as people. The more you do this process the more natural it will become.

Recognize Great Work

In many jobs, people only get recognition if they have done something wrong, and that is not a great way to build strong connections. If you start a tradition and a culture of recognizing your employees for the good work they do, you can have a real positive impact on your company and their lives. Take time to recognize the work everyone does to make your business flourish. Taking that time will show your employees that you value them and understand what they bring to the table.

When you have strong bonds with your employees, you will start to see improvement in the work they do. You will also see decreased turnaround and more loyalty. Come at it from a sincere place so you can really make your business into a positive environment for everyone’s growth and achievements.

Check out this article on challenges you may face when expanding your workforce!