Keep team morale high.
Employee morale is an important factor in the success of small businesses, especially for hourly workers. These employees often form the backbone of operations, interacting directly with customers and ensuring daily tasks are completed efficiently. Keeping your team engaged and motivated also comes with its challenges.
When hourly workers feel disconnected from the company’s mission, undervalued, or lacking opportunities for growth, the result is a decline in productivity and performance, a constant revolving door, and revenue may cause significant damage. By prioritizing the well-being and well-being of your team, you can lay the foundation for an unstoppable team that wants to work and a thriving business.
Creating a fulfilling and comfortable workplace.
The key to boosting morale and retaining hourly workers is creating a workplace that fosters a sense of belonging, value, and purpose. According to the 2024 Homebase Small Business Team Fulfillment Index, fulfillment is less about money and more about strong relationships, meaningful work, and community impact.
In the fierce competition for hourly talent, relationships emerge as the ultimate trump card. Surprisingly, 62% of owners and 64% of hourly workers prioritize “relationships with co-workers” as the number one factor in job satisfaction, and are willing to pay competitive wages. It also exceeds. This highlights the critical importance of fostering strong, collaborative bonds within small business teams. We foster these connections by providing ample opportunities for collaboration, teamwork, and social interaction through activities such as team-building exercises, group projects, communal meals, and celebrations.
When local teams feel like they are contributing to something bigger than just earning a paycheck, the results can be transformative. Our research shows that 83% of owners and 60% of employees feel they are making a big difference in their communities. To harness this strong sense of purpose, clearly communicate your company’s mission and values and demonstrate how each team member’s role contributes to these overarching goals.
A little awareness goes a long way.
At Homebase, we know that recognizing and rewarding your team’s good performance is a surefire way to boost morale and retain great employees over the long term. When hourly workers feel appreciated for their hard work and dedication, they are more likely to feel satisfied with their jobs and remain committed over the long term.
With all the apps for hourly work, it’s now super easy to use the Shout Out feature to give props to team members who go above and beyond. Whether you provided excellent customer service, took on extra responsibilities like a champ, or consistently achieved your goals, a simple shoutout is a great way to show your appreciation. Teams can also send Shout Outs to recognize the efforts of their colleagues.
86% of hourly workers say they enjoy their work more when they feel recognized, but only 66% have actually received a compliment in the past year. This is a huge opportunity to make a huge difference to your team’s happiness and engagement.
Unleash the power of communication.
Laura Hilger and her family, owners of Dot and Doodles Art Studio in Wexford, Pennsylvania, know the power of communication. With her team juggling art workshops, pottery parties, and summer camps around school schedules, extracurricular activities, and social lives, Laura leverages all of her apps to keep her team in sync.
Messaging with Homebase has proven to be extremely helpful in keeping your team informed and connected, whether it’s announcing staff meetings or sharing fun updates. “I often send messages through it,” Laura says. From shift exchanges to tie-dye party announcements, Homebase keeps everyone up to date.
Team communication features allow you to:
- Collect feedback from employees at the end of each shift.
- Get automated reports on employee sentiment and understand long-term trends.
- Stay connected with your entire team using the built-in messenger.even when you’re not there
Open lines of communication not only keep everyone informed, but also help them feel more involved in the day-to-day operations.
The app also makes it super easy to wish a team member a happy birthday, share good news about a business milestone, or just have a quick chat on a Friday afternoon. These seemingly small interactions build a sense of belonging and boost morale.
Room to grow and thrive.
Laura knows the impact of creating a place where a team can grow and develop. She allows her team to play their part in making the studio a happy place. “Everyone is happy to be a part of it. It’s a fun place to work and it’s a lot of fun,” Laura said with a smile. Her team is wholeheartedly invested in the studio’s mission of helping people feel good about themselves and take pride in their creative masterpieces.
The survey found that 78% of employees say they are personally invested in the success of their company, and almost half (47%) want to be involved in the decision-making process.
Cross-training and skill sharing allows teams to level up their skills and knowledge together, fostering camaraderie and common purpose. Delegate tasks and projects so you can unleash your skills and leadership potential.
That’s what worked for Laura. “I am most proud when I see people succeed in their roles and take pride in themselves,” she says. “The more confidence you have in them, the more successful they will be.”
By offering opportunities for growth, you show your team that you’re committed to their long-term success and that you value their contribution to the business.
Give them what they crave.
According to an April survey, 86% of hourly workers want more flexibility and on-demand pay. With Homebase, you can do both.
Your team can enter days when they’re unavailable, choose last-minute shifts, and swap shifts when something comes up, while you focus on what’s more important, like growing your business.
With Homebase, your team can access paychecks early and address emergency expenses without breaking a sweat. Say goodbye to team overdraft fees and payday loans. Get cash before payday with no interest, no credit checks, and no late fees. It’s a game changer!
With Pay Any Day, employees can access up to 100% of their pay as soon as they clock out. Already using Homebase for your payroll? You can unlock this special benefit for your team without lifting a finger. There are no sneaky fees or interest rates. All they have to do is switch their direct deposit to Homebase. Instant access to your money anytime, anywhere.
Cashouts provide a quick cash boost for your team. By connecting their bank account, employees can instantly access up to $500 for a small fee, with free delivery within three business days. The best part? You don’t need to do anything.
Whichever option you choose, your team will have instant access to wages earned prior to payday; you Get help attracting and retaining the best workers. It’s a win-win.
happy workers. A thriving business.
From creating a thriving workplace where everyone feels valued to offering flexible benefits and growth opportunities, we have everything you need to create a thriving workplace and happy team.
You don’t have to do it alone. All our apps for hourly workers are packed with features designed to make your life easier and your team happier. Shout Outs, flexible payment options, and team communication tools make it easy to support your team and keep them engaged long-term.
Unleash your team’s potential with Homebase and watch your business soar with an unstoppable team.