How Taking Care of Your Team Builds a Better Business

SERIES: Salute Your Best Employees!

In any business, it’s easy to focus on the customers walking through the doors. After all, they pay the bills. But here’s something smart operators in the dry cleaning and laundromat industry know that most don’t – employees are your first customers. If you don’t take care of your team, how can you expect them to take care of strangers?

When your employees are happy, there is a high chance that they will take great care of your customers. And it’s why they say that happy employees equal happy customers. This is especially true in dry cleaning and laundromats – where, oftentimes, your regular customers know your team by name. The way your employees feel shows up in the service they give.

As we salute great employees this month, here are a few simple ways you can take care of your team, so that they stay, thrive, and help your business grow.

6 Simple Ways to Salute Your Best Employees

1. Show you care – with actions, not just words

It’s easy to say, “We appreciate you.” But do you show it? Little things like these matter:

• A handwritten thank-you note
• A small treat after a busy day
• Letting someone leave early for a family event

2. Hire carefully – protect your culture

Good employees want to work with other good employees. Don’t rush to fill a spot. Take your time. It’s better to run a little short than to bring in someone who drags the team down.

3. Notice stress – and check in often

Running a shop can be busy and tiring. Be aware of signs of burnout or stress. Don’t guess – ask: “How are things going? Anything I can do to help?” Even a quick chat shows your team you care.

4. Make life easier when you can

Sometimes, life happens. A team member needs to adjust their schedule or deal with a family need. If you can help, do it. Flexibility is always remembered and appreciated.

5. Encourage, don’t police

No one likes feeling micromanaged. Focus on what your employees are doing right. Praise it. A little encouragement goes a long way in building pride and loyalty.

6. Help employees feel part of the business

Employees want to know that what they do matters. Share your goals for the business. Let them see how their work makes a difference. When employees feel connected to the business, they take more pride in their work – and it shows in how they treat your customers.

This month is about saluting your best employees – and keeping them! However, it shouldn’t end there. By following the steps above, you will ensure that you continually salute them every day and every month. Your best employees remain your best when they feel valued.

When they know you care, they’ll care even more about your customers. So, take time this month to thank them, encourage them, and invest in them. But don’t stop there; keep it going. Because when you take care of your team, they’ll take care of your business.

---