Tips to Keep your Dollar Store Staff Happy and Motivated

Many of those who own a dollar store or other small business might feel challenged when it comes to employee satisfaction and retention.  In some cases this might be due to a lack of knowledge in the area staffing and human resource management.  In other cases it might be feeling the financial pinch of being a small business owner and thus being unable to offer huge salary increases or incurring other expenses.

By feeling as if there are pre-determined limitations which stifle efforts to create a better workplace, some of those who own a dollar store assume the position of feeling more like a victim of circumstances.  As a result they decide to do nothing to keep employee team members happy, motivated and satisfied.  Over time this approach can be seen in employee turnover, how well the work is actually performed, as well as how shoppers are treated.  Read on for tips to keep your dollar store staff, happy, motivated and satisfied.

1)   Grow your employees

Sure there are some costs associated with the time it takes to provide training and development for your employees.  However the other side of the coin is having employees not feeling more confident and capable to handle their current roles.  Yet with just a bit of training they may seize the opportunity to put newly learned skills to work.  Your payback is more proficient job performance and better execution of daily tasks.  From an employee perspective a little training can also instill pride in being able to contribute more.

2)   Strategically offer more money – or other rewards

Often those who own a dollar store simply cannot afford to offer huge salary increases.  Look for creative ways to make small amounts of money provide motivation and higher levels of business performance.  Whether it is a small bonus for outstanding performance, a team pizza party following a sales event, or even a company jacket for an employee who steps above the call of duty in some way, each provides some level of reward and recognition.

3)   Provide feedback and recognition

One of the best ways to gain higher levels of satisfaction is with simple, yet sincere recognition.  Develop the habit of providing periodic feedback to your employees.  This feedback must be for specific performance, not just general statements which have little meaning.  Your feedback must also be authentic and real or it loses it relevance.

4)   Grow from within

When you own a dollar store some employees have the potential to help you take your business to higher levels of performance.  As your business grows, be sure to invest in developing these employees for the future.  Then when the time is right, look within in your organization to fill jobs positions which may come available.

While there are many other critical pieces of the puzzle when it comes to employee leadership, the good news for those who own a dollar store is success does not require a huge budget.  Focus on providing employee training and development, salary and/or benefit increases when possible, positive feedback for a job well-done and work to provide a potential career path for key employees.  You will see the results of this effort in retention, job satisfaction and overall customer satisfaction as well.