When you’re in business, you know that the “human element” part of your operations is incredibly important to your success.
Strong employer-employee relationships don’t just make for a happy and productive workplace – the connections you forge and the trust you build can also make it easier to resolve disputes without resorting to litigation. So, what strategies can you use to enhance your relationship with your employees? Here are some suggestions to get you started.
Make open communication the norm
Good communication is the key to any healthy relationship, and that includes between employers and employees. This means not only sharing important information about upcoming changes, company objectives and other important information, but also actively encouraging employees to address their concerns or share their ideas. When employees feel heard, they feel more valued.
Invest in your team and show recognition
Never underestimate the power of recognition and appreciation. Acknowledge and reward your employees for their hard work so that they know that their efforts are valued. In addition, make sure that you offer opportunities for development and forward moving, wherever possible. Together, these two actions can help keep your employees feel empowered and engaged.
Promote a work-life balance
If you want to avoid employee burnout and keep your key players around, make sure that you actively encourage them to prioritize their well-being. Consider flexible work schedules and generous leave allotments. If your budget supports it, provide access to resources like a company gym membership, stress management programs and other wellness programs.
Handle conflicts with grace and compassion
No workplace is totally immune to conflicts – and how you handle the situation when one crops up is critical to how your employees feel about you and your company. Create a clear system for addressing complaints and make sure that the resolution process is both fair and transparent. If employees believe that you’re willing to admit to mistakes and make course corrections, they’re less likely to seek alternative solutions.
Oftentimes, good employer-employee relationships start with good company policies and procedures. If you’re uncertain about whether your company handbook is in compliance with all relevant state and federal laws, it may be time to seek legal guidance.