Your days are packed with client meetings, loan processing, compliance checks, and everything in between. But while you’re busy growing your business, it’s critical not to lose sight of one key factor: keeping your employees or virtual assistants (VAs) engaged and motivated. Your team is the backbone of your operations, and without their full engagement, your business may struggle to thrive.
So how do you maintain high morale and keep your team motivated when your schedule barely leaves time to think? Here are our top tips to help you foster an environment where your employees and VAs feel connected, valued, and engaged.
1. Create a Positive Work Environment
A positive work environment is one of the most important factors for keeping employees and VAs engaged. Even if your team is remote, there are ways to build a supportive and inclusive culture.
Start by acknowledging the work your team is doing. Simple gestures like giving credit where it’s due, sending an encouraging email, or highlighting someone’s achievements in a team meeting can go a long way. When your team feels valued, they are more likely to stay motivated and contribute meaningfully to the business.
It’s also important to ensure your team has the resources and tools they need to succeed. When employees and VAs have access to the right software, clear processes, and open communication channels, they are empowered to perform at their best.
2. Set Clear Expectations and Goals
As brokers, we thrive on structure—whether it’s a daily to-do list or a long-term business plan. The same logic applies to keeping your team engaged. Setting clear goals gives your employees and VAs a sense of direction and purpose.
When expectations are clear, your team knows what’s expected of them, and they can track their progress against those goals. But more than just setting goals, make sure they’re measurable and relevant to the overall success of the business. This helps your employees and VAs understand how their work directly impacts the growth of your brokerage, creating a sense of ownership and responsibility in their roles.
Check-in regularly to discuss these goals, adjust them if needed, and celebrate milestones along the way. When your team sees tangible progress, their motivation and commitment to the business will remain strong.
3. Offer Continuous Learning Opportunities
One of the most effective ways to keep employees and VAs engaged is by providing opportunities for professional growth. Everyone wants to feel like they’re progressing in their careers, and investing in your team’s development shows that you care about their future.
Offer ongoing training, whether it’s learning new tools, understanding changes in mortgage industry regulations, or honing their communication skills. When employees and VAs feel like they are gaining new skills and growing in their roles, they are more likely to stay engaged and less likely to seek opportunities elsewhere.
You can offer these training opportunities through online courses, webinars, or even cross-training within your brokerage. Continuous learning also benefits your business, as your team will be more equipped to handle new challenges and industry shifts.
4. Foster Open Communication
Communication is key to building a strong relationship with your team. Whether you’re working with in-house staff or remote VAs, creating a space for open dialogue can help you understand what’s working well and what needs improvement.
Encourage regular check-ins with your team, where they can freely share updates, ask questions, and voice any concerns. These check-ins can be casual, like a quick Zoom chat or even a team email thread. The important thing is that your team feels heard, valued, and connected, even if you’re not in the same office.
When employees and VAs feel comfortable speaking up, it not only builds trust but also prevents potential issues from escalating. Open communication fosters a collaborative work environment where everyone feels like they’re part of something bigger.
5. Recognise and Reward Efforts
Nothing boosts morale like recognition. Acknowledging your team’s hard work is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep employees and VAs engaged. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, but consistent recognition shows your team that you notice their efforts and appreciate their contributions.
Consider simple recognition strategies like a “VA of the Month” award or a shout-out in a team meeting. Even a personal message of thanks can have a big impact.
Rewarding your team for going above and beyond also encourages high performance. Whether it’s an unexpected bonus, extra time off, or a gift card, small rewards can have a huge effect on motivation and job satisfaction.
6. Offer Competitive Compensation and Benefits
Offering competitive compensation and benefits is one of the most straightforward ways to improve retention and engagement. When your team feels fairly compensated, they are likelier to remain loyal and motivated to perform at their best.
Beyond basic pay, you can offer benefits such as health coverage, wellness packages, or paid time off. Some teams benefit from annual bonuses or special rewards for perfect attendance, which helps boost morale and shows appreciation for hard work.
7. Create Opportunities for Social Engagement
Employees who feel connected to their team are more likely to remain engaged and productive. Regular team catch-ups—whether for work-related discussions or just casual social interaction—help foster this connection. Monthly lunches, virtual coffee breaks, or quarterly team-building activities outside of work create a sense of camaraderie and improve communication.
Organising clubs or interest groups within your company can also help prevent isolation, particularly with remote teams. These clubs could focus on personal development, learning new skills, or even fun activities that allow your team members to bond. Collaboration and communication improve when your team members are friends outside of their work roles, making everyone happier and more productive.
8. Show Flexibility and Empathy
As a broker, you know how demanding the mortgage industry can be, and your employees and VAs feel that pressure too. Providing them with flexibility, especially in remote work situations, shows that you trust them to manage their tasks while maintaining work-life balance.
Whether it’s flexible work hours, the ability to take mental health days, or simply being empathetic to personal challenges, offering flexibility boosts morale and fosters loyalty. A team that feels cared for will be more motivated to perform at their best.
Building Engagement for Long-Term Success
Engagement isn’t just about keeping employees or VAs happy—it’s about building a team that is invested in your business’s long-term success. Your schedule may be full, but prioritising your team’s morale is essential for maintaining productivity and driving growth.
When your employees and VAs feel valued, motivated, and connected, they will be more engaged in their roles, which means better results for your brokerage. By implementing these strategies, you’ll not only keep your team engaged but create a positive, supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
