We often think of companies as being independent, separate organisations, but this overlooks one important factor: companies are made up of people. Businesses only exist because there are people who work there, whether it be restaurants, shops, agencies, supermarkets, and so on. Without the people who spend their time and effort selling, buying, managing, and organising, nothing would exist. This may sound obvious, but it is actually a key concept that many people tend to forget. People are vital for any business, and the way they interact within their company has the power to make or break a project. They are the building blocks of a business. If we think about it, huge companies like Google, General Motors, and Samsung have become what they are today because of the people who work for them.
Entrepreneurs who only think about business and accounts won’t get very far. We have to focus on our people and remember that, just because we have hired a new employee, it does not guarantee that they will be happy working for us. Being chosen for a job doesn’t automatically make people grateful to their employer.
The author stresses that hiring a valid candidate is only the first step, and that there are many other factors to be taken into account, such as whether the new employee is happy, whether they are exposed to a positive or negative environment, and the level of team spirit within the workplace. New team members need more than traditional benefits, in order to feel fulfilled at work. Of course, holidays, a company gym, or a crèche are all very important to most employees, but this is only the beginning. A sense of belonging, for example, is crucial, as is the ability to participate in decision-making processes. In short, the well-being of workers must be an entrepreneur’s priority in running the business, because it not only benefits the employees, but also the entrepreneur and the company.