Business transparency toward customers helps build loyalty and increase sales, but such transparency also matters for employees to build their trust in the company and encourage their growth. The mission statement of a business shares its dedication to service and particular goals, and everyone in the company needs to be on board, reports Forbes.

Staff sometimes feel separated from senior management, but they must work together to pursue common goals that align with the mission of the company. Businesses progress into the future through goal-setting and putting forth the effort of achievement, enriching morale and boosting employee development and engagement.

Outlining SMART Goals

Both short-term and long-term goals matter for the growth of the company and employees. Short-term goals might include launching a new line of products, addressing particular customer service challenges or reaching a new monthly sales goal. Long-term goals may mean regional expansion within a set period of time, such as five years. Short-term goals should support big-picture goals.

Setting SMART goals helps employees see their specific contributions in action and makes each goal more meaningful and measurable. S.M.A.R.T goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely.

Set specifics around the goal with no danger of misinterpretation, such as a deadline, requirements and persons responsible. Employees must know how the goal matters for the big picture. Specify criteria for measuring the goal’s progress. Employees need to know how to stay on track, take aim at target dates and achieve milestones, giving them motivation.

Don’t make the company goals too lofty, or employees can’t reasonably achieve them and will feel demotivated. Goals should be both realistic and ambitious. Make goals attainable so employees can leverage their skills and take advantage of opportunities. Relevant goals allow each employee to see their connection at work strategically. The most effective goals need structure — provide a timeline with a sense of urgency.

Reinforcing Goals With Employee Input

Bring all employees together to outline the goals along with concrete steps to achieve them. Each department and employee receives their responsibilities, but also leaves the air open during meetings for employees to contribute their ideas and pitches.

Companies get input from management, but entry-level employees should feel free to contribute ideas and feedback, too — this will develop employee engagement, dedication and skills. Gaining employee input helps increase the sense of ownership and satisfaction in their roles and contributions.

Let employees participate with the knowledge that all roles and contributions matter. Keep reinforcing the goals along the way. Failure occurs along with success on the road to achievement, but remind everyone that these present learning opportunities.

Raising Morale Through Common Goals

Working toward common goals together raises morale, increases trust among the ranks and empowers work culture. Employees invest themselves more deeply in the goal-setting process and find meaning in their achievements. Morale increases when staff gets brought in on the goal-setting process.

Don’t work your employees to death, though — those putting in 12+ hour shifts raise mortality rates and stress levels. Employees with a healthy work-life balance are 21 percent more likely to be dedicated and productive at work.

Reward Achievements

How do you currently reward employees? Gifts are nice but fail to recognize individuals for their individual achievements. About 80 percent of organizations offer recognition programs, and for on-the-spot, one-time achievements, some organizations provide monetary gifts of $25, $50 or more or added paid time off. Others provide recognition in company newsletters and certificates. Diversify your rewards for achievements that elevate employees through promotions and recognition.

Don’t discount the power of alternative rewards, such as payment to their student loan lenders for a year or funding of a professional certificate program or personal enrichment class. A word of appreciation and public recognition at company events are classic and positive ways to reward employees.

Transparency goes two ways, not just from the top to the bottom. Employees need to know why their roles matter and invest in their daily work beyond earning a paycheck or gift card.

Communicating company goals is key for employee growth. Employee loyalty, trust, dedication, satisfaction and skills develop, and staff feel confident in reaching their full potential. The staff know their employer cares, and your company is more likely to achieve success when everyone is completely on board with the goals that serve the mission.