Businesses tend to spend the majority of their time focusing on products and/or customer service. Meanwhile they ignore some of their most valuable assets - Their employees. 

Perhaps ignore is too strong of a word, but they tend to do the minimum. They do this even though they know it's bad for business. It's time to stop! Here are 4 specific ways you can focus more on your staff.

1. Show them you value their contributions.

Companies often treat their employees as if they own them. They talk to them as though they are replaceable. Try respecting them and showing empathy. Provide a company lunch every week or 2. Throw a personal day at them on occasion. These things will all lead them to be grateful to work for you.

2. Incentivized motivation

These can be small or large depending on your budget. Start with offering a free lunch or cash for reaching a goal. You can offer a paid day off if they reach a goal early - This will motivate them to work more efficiently to get the day off.

3. Share your goals

A surprising number of companies don't share their goals with their employees. You should. It allows them to be on the same page and will help them feel like they're part of the company.

4. Welcome ideas from employees

Great ideas can often come from employees. They don't have to be creative people - Sometimes they just come up with them because they're closer to the front lines. When you use their idea make sure to recognize them for it!

There are lots of ways to grow your business, and investing in your employees is actually one of the best, and most cost-effective, ways. For more on this check out Enterpreneur Magazine.