Faster, Smarter, Better: 6 Personnel Strategies to Boost Your Business

In this economy, working faster, smarter, better is the key to riding out the storm. Here are 6 easy-to-implement tips that can lead to a leaner, meaner, more efficient laboratory operation.

Problem: I feel like my staff is very fragmented, especially between departments. I need some strategies to inspire my technicians to act as a team.

Strategy: Have some fun. Encouraging your employees to have fun together and to develop relationships is an excellent way to foster mutual respect and teamwork. People who enjoy one another usually have a greater loyalty to each other and to the laboratory. "The power of having fun at work should never be underestimated. People simply are more productive and motivated if they are having fun...it's just the way we are wired," says Derik Mocke of the Sustainable Employee Motivation website.

While some laboratory owners have gone all out--treating employees to wine tastings, boat trips,...