When someone on your team isn’t pulling their weight, it can impact the entire group. Other employees may find themselves picking up the slack, leading to low morale and resentment. If you want to keep your team running efficiently, it’s important to look for signs that an employee might need extra support.

In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we share insight from Jessica Miller-Merrell, the founder of Workology, on some common causes of low performance and how you can address these issues.

1. No clear expectations. Employees need to know what’s expected. Otherwise, they may struggle to meet standards, Miller-Merrell says. Make sure you communicate quotas, deadlines and expectations clearly so there’s no confusion.

2. Insufficient training or skills. Sometimes, a low-performing employee just needs to learn more about your company or the promo industry in general. Miller-Merrell recommends providing ongoing training so employees are current on trends and prepared to handle their responsibilities.

3. Poor work environment. Maybe there’s a lot of conflict within your team or your employees feel a lack of support. Check your culture and ensure your team has the tools and resources they need to do their jobs well.

4. Lack of motivation. An under-performing employee might be uninspired in their current role. Or, the employee may not feel appreciated for their contributions. As a leader, you can make sure their skills align with their job responsibilities. You can also make sure you acknowledge the value they bring.

5. Personal issues. Maybe your low-performing staff member is grappling with some personal challenges that are impacting their ability to focus at work. Miller-Merrell says they may also be dealing with burnout, which can lead them to be disengaged and less effective.

6. External factors. If an employee is worried about something larger — like the economy or the upcoming presidential election in the U.S. — it could be affecting their performance. Even competition for a specific role within your company can create stress and impact performance, Miller-Merrell says.

7. Unrealistic expectations. Are you setting the bar too high for your team members? When employees feel like they must meet impossible goals, Miller-Merrell says it can lead to stress, mistakes and reduced productivity.

From insufficient training to external factors, there are many different reasons an employee might not be living up to expectations. If you notice any of the signs above, don’t wait for the situation to resolve itself. Instead, start a conversation and address the issues head on. You’ll end up helping the low performer while strengthening the entire team.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Jessica Miller-Merrell is the founder of Workology, a digital resource that reaches more than a half million HR and workplace leaders each month. She also hosts the Workology podcast.