Salwa Albertyn, recently appointed as the Group Human Resources Executive of Empact Group, is a passionate advocate for creating positive workplace environments. With a wealth of experience in people management, she understands that leadership goes beyond processes and policies – it is about recognising and valuing employees at every level. In this piece, she explores how effective leadership and genuine recognition contribute to a thriving workforce, particularly in the contract cleaning, foodservice and facilities industries, where employees often work behind the scenes. Her insights underscore the importance of fostering respect, trust, and purpose in the workplace to drive engagement and long-term success.
As leaders, we often focus on tangible benefits – salaries, bonuses, health plans, and perks – to attract and retain staff. While these are important, they are not the defining factors that inspire real engagement, loyalty, or long-term success. The real key? Making employees feel valued.
I was recently inspired by a post that summed this up perfectly: True happiness at work doesn’t come from getting paid; it comes from feeling valued.
This simple truth is at the core of effective leadership. Employees don’t just work for a pay cheque, they work for purpose, recognition, and the assurance that their contributions matter. In the contract cleaning, foodservice and facilities industries, where employees often operate behind the scenes, this is especially critical. We must ensure that our teams regardless of level, feel seen, respected, and empowered.
Creating a Workplace Where People Succeed
Traditional workplace models often prioritise processes and output over people’s well-being. However, when we need to focus on building a culture which reflects living our values, respect, trust, and recognition, we bring out the best in our teams. A positive work atmosphere leads to greater job satisfaction, improved mental health, and, ultimately, better service delivery.
Here’s how we can create a workplace where employees at all levels feel valued:
Treat Employees with Genuine Respect
It’s easy to assume that offering free coffee, gym memberships, or casual Fridays will create a great workplace culture. However, these perks mean little if employees don’t feel respected in their roles. Respect comes from acknowledging their hard work, listening to their concerns, and treating them as essential contributors to the organisation’s success.
For any employee, respect means recognising the physical demands of their job, ensuring fair work schedules, and providing safe, well-maintained equipment. Small actions, like checking in on a team member’s well-being or allowing flexibility when needed, make a significant impact.
Clear Communication Supports Employee Confidence
People don’t succeed in confusion. A lack of direction leads to frustration, disengagement, and burnout. Leaders must provide clear communication regarding company goals, expectations, and career pathways.
For example, a frontline cleaner who understands how their role contributes to the company’s success will feel more motivated than someone who simply follows instructions without context. Clarity helps employees take ownership of their work and see a future within the organisation.
Recognising Hard Work Builds Loyalty
Nothing demotivates a team faster than feeling invisible. Hard work that goes unnoticed leads to frustration. Employees should never have to wonder if their contributions matter.
Regular, sincere recognition – whether through a simple thank-you, a public acknowledgment, or a structured employee appreciation programme – boosts morale and encourages positive behaviours. At any company, celebrating small wins and acknowledging individual contributions should be central to the company culture.
Trusting Employees Leads to Better Results
No one enjoys being micromanaged. It stifles creativity, causes frustration, and sends the message that leaders don’t trust their teams. The best way to encourage loyalty and high performance is to give employees the freedom to do their jobs well.
Managers and Supervisors, for instance, should provide guidance and support rather than constantly overseeing every task. When employees are trusted to manage their responsibilities, they take greater pride in their work.
Show Employees How Their Work Matters
Every organisation has processes, but they should never overshadow the bigger picture. Employees want to know that their work has meaning beyond the daily routine.
In the contract cleaning industry for example, a cleaner isn’t just someone who mops floors, they create safe, healthy spaces for people to work, shop, and live. When we help employees see how their efforts contribute to something bigger, their work becomes more than just a job, it becomes a source of pride.
Why This Matters
Without these elements, pay cheques feel empty. Employees who feel undervalued, micromanaged, or unrecognised will never reach their full potential. However, when leaders create a workplace built on respect, trust, and purpose, employees become more engaged, productive, and committed to the company’s success.
Five Qualities Every Great Leader Displays
Being an effective leader isn’t about having a title, it’s about how you support and encourage your team. Here are five key qualities every great leader should demonstrate:
- Empathy – Understand the challenges your employees face. Listen to their concerns and show that you care about their well-being.
- Authenticity – Be genuine in your leadership. Employees respect leaders who are honest, transparent, and willing to admit mistakes.
- Adaptability – The workplace is always evolving. Great leaders embrace change, remain flexible, and help their teams adjust to new challenges.
- Consistency – Employees thrive in stable, predictable environments. Be consistent in your expectations, feedback, and recognition.
- Encouragement – Leaders should support and inspire their teams. Help employees see the bigger picture and believe in their potential.
Final Thoughts
Leadership isn’t just about running a business, it’s about shaping the experiences of the people who keep that business running. In companies, where employees often go unnoticed, it’s even more important to create an environment where every worker feels valued and appreciated.
By driving culture and prioritising company values which might include partnership, integrity, respect, clarity, recognition, trust, and purpose, we can create a workplace where employees are not just present but truly engaged. When people feel valued, they don’t just work – they succeed. And when employees succeed, so does the company.
I encourage you to commit to being leaders who cheer success, not just demand results. Never forget, the greatest investment we can make is in the people who make our business possible.
