Stretching Your Staff

Chances are you and those you work with have never had so many responsibilities on the job. The fact is, in this economy, workers are stretched and taking on more roles and responsibilities as businesses restructure. (See – you’re not the only one! Thanks recession!)

Two years ago, Mary Jaensch and Rachel Braun Scherl bought Zestra, a topical potion made from evening primrose, out of bankruptcy. Their company now has 11 employees but, with more orders for their product coming in every month, “everyone is so stretched because there are so few of us,” says Scherl.

So, what can you do to keep business running smoothly and expanding when everyone is already wearing thin?

Scherl advocates communication to ensure all her employees are in sync on every task. Meeting with employees both one-on-one and in groups promotes honest, straightforward discussion.

A high-energy workplace encourages employees to focus on the end result. Enthusiasm generates a proactive environment, and Scherl and her staff eagerly come to work each day.

She also notes that employees stay motivated when they know what’s going on within the company. Sharing information – both the ups and the downs – with staff makes for a more cohesive team.

PINK Profile: In our exclusive interview with Scherl, find out how she and her partner expect to grow their company into a $100 million business.

By Cynthia Good

“Only in growth, reform and change, paradoxically enough, is true security to be found.” Anne Morrow Lindbergh