Hello, my name is Favour Uchenna-john, I am a People and Culture specialist with experience in human resources management. With a strong HR foundation and a background in international law and diplomacy, I bring a versatile skill set to building an inclusive and positive workplace culture.

Interestingly, my journey into HR wasn’t even planned. I was supposed to be a front desk assistant, answering phones, greeting people, and pointing them in the right direction with a consistent smile on my face. But the head of HR then saw something potential in me and nudged me toward taking up a role in talent acquisition. Suddenly, I was on a whole new path, learning what HR was really about. I had always thought HR was about enforcing rules and saying "no" all the time. Now, I realize it’s about empowering employees, building a culture where people thrive, and helping both the business and its people grow together.

As a small business owner, you might be juggling a lot of hats including the not-so-glamorous HR hat. You’re probably wondering how to keep your best employees happy, help the ones who aren’t performing well, and stretch your team’s productivity during busy times when you can’t afford to hire more people. The good news is that you don’t need a massive HR department to do all of this. Here’s how you can manage these challenges effectively and with a little humor along the way.

Your top employees are the backbone of your business. Keeping them happy is crucial, not just because they get the work done, but because losing them can be a huge setback. So how do you keep them engaged and loyal?

Praise is free (And It Works Like Magic) 

Ever notice how your best employees are always working hard and never complaining? Well, that’s not a reason to take them for granted. Just because they’re good at what they do doesn’t mean they don’t need to hear it. A little bit of praise goes a long way. A shout-out in a meeting, a thank-you note, or even a small reward can keep them motivated. Recognition isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential.

Figure Out the Real Issue

Is it a skills gap? Are they unclear about expectations? Or are they dealing with personal issues? Sit down and have a frank conversation with the employee to find out what’s really going on. Sometimes underperformance is simply a matter of confusion or stress, and a quick chat can help clear things up.

Set Clear Expectations and Check In

Make sure they understand what’s expected of them moving forward, and set measurable goals. Follow up regularly, offering constructive feedback along the way. If they’re making progress, celebrate it even with small wins.

Help Them Grow, Or They’ll Go

Top performers want to learn and grow, not stay stagnant. Give them opportunities to develop their skills, whether it’s through mentorship, taking on new projects, or attending workshops. Investing in their growth shows them that you see their value and that they have a future at your company. If you don’t, someone else will.

Create a Fun, Engaging Work Environment

A positive work culture is essential for employee retention. People want to work in a place where they feel respected, supported, and comfortable. So encourage team bonding, have some fun, and promote a healthy work-life balance. Even small things like a group lunch or a casual Friday can make a big difference. You don’t have to turn your office into a concert but make sure it’s a place people enjoy coming to.

Helping Underperforming Employees: It’s Not All Lost

Every team has at least one underperformer—the employee who just isn’t hitting the mark. The easy route might be to show them the door, but with a little effort, you can often help them turn things around.

In summary, keeping top performers engaged and helping underperformers shine doesn’t have to be complicated. A little recognition, growth opportunities, and a positive work culture can go a long way. With clear expectations and regular check-ins, you can keep your team motivated and productive even when resources are limited. I wish you all the best in implementing these strategies, and here’s to your continued success and growth!