Workplace Investigations: New Best Practice to Gauge Employee Satisfaction

Boosting the Performance and Morale of Employees in Startups

The word ‘startup’ conjures up images of a fast-paced workplace, staffed with young go-getters who thrive in an atmosphere of chaos. But that’s not always true. Startups that revel too much in this stereotype often face issues of employee burnout, while those that try emulating ‘old-school’ corporations risk stifling the innovation and risk-taking attitudes that startups need.

- Ambarish Gupta

As with other areas of life, managing your employees well requires treading a fine balance between innovation and stability. Veer too far across the line, and you risk harming employee morale and performance.

Founders need to recognise that Startups are Different

It’s not really a wise idea to manage the HR functions in a startup on the lines of a century old corporation that’s risk-averse and relies on set-in-stone processes. After all, that corporation only has to maintain its lead, and it has the first-mover advantage (and deep pockets) to help stay ahead. On the other hand, as a startup, your venture needs to maximise your efforts and returns in every area – you need to offer a better products, better services – and at the same time, give your employees a better deal. And yes, we all know how important a good work-life balance is; how employees want opportunities for long-term career growth; why having a stake in your startup’s success can make employees more motivated; and how family-friendly policies can make your workplace a happier one. That’s all something every HR expert, every senior manager, and every startup founder has learnt over the years. But how do you know where you can improve? How can you mark the areas where you need a renewed HR effort? If you don’t know what you’re doing right (or wrong), how can you navigate the path ahead?

Surveys and Workplace Investigations