How to manage employees in a casual environment

Question:

Any tips for managing employees in a more casual work environment?

Answer:

Work can be fun, productive and engaging, but it still is work. The more casual an environment becomes, the more difficult it can be to discipline people. That’s when managers start saying, “It will be fine. We missed our deadline today, but we’ll get it tomorrow.” Instead, there need to be consequences.

Being consistent in your goals and expectations for all employees is key to a satisfied workforce, because people are constantly comparing themselves to one another. If goals and expectations are clear and the manager is consistent in valuing each person equally, the problem of favoritism is eliminated or reduced.

It’s important to set everyone up to succeed on the front end.

I have nine directors who report to me, and it’s their responsibility to get me their goals. I modify some, take some away and we agree on the final ones. Then we have a conversation every three months to revisit their progress.

-Jim Korner
Assistant VP, Professional and Community Education
Penn State University Outreach and Online Education