Every business owner that has employees working for them will have issues with behavior. No matter how you try to avoid it, there will always be people who will be disruptive or divisive. You will also find those that are unable to perform well, despite help. However, it doesn’t mean that you have to accept this or that there is nothing you can do about it. Here are some of the ways you can deal with problems with your employees and the resources that are available to support and help them.
Encourage Listening
If you have managers that are working with your employees, it is important that you try to instill in them what you expect from your employees and them as managers. In some cases, how managers respond to problems can be as damaging as the problem itself.
Encourage your managers to listen to their staff and try to deal with any problems they have. Your workers might be unhappy because of what they are being asked to do or the conditions they are working under in your company. If you encourage your managers to listen, and in turn, listen to them, you will be able to get to the root of the problem.
Try to Identify Specific Problems
On many occasions, the problems you face will be due to clashes of personality or lack of understanding. These issues can usually be resolved with help, additional training or moving conflicting employees to other areas of the company. However, it is important to recognize when issues are more serious so that you protect your employees and your company.
If you think that a criminal act has taken place, then you will need to speak to the authorities so that they can investigate. You may also need to enlist the services of a lawyer such as Powers McCartan to help you or the employee deal with the legal issues.
Have a Clear Discipline Process
It is important that your workers are fully aware of what is expected of them. Not just with regards to their work, but also their behavior. You can achieve some of this during a new employee’s orientation and initial training. Explain the level of behavior your company expects and the process for those who don’t meet this standard.
Make it clear that you want to help and support your employees, and that you will do what you can to resolve the issues. If you explain the process and the levels of disciplinary action that can result, it can help employees to understand what is acceptable behavior while at work.
Managing a workforce isn’t always easy, however, the more systems and help you put in place, the easier is it to help and support those that fall below what is expected. It is important to document all conversations and processes that you go through with your workers with regards discipline. Not only will it help you understand what has happened, but it will also protect you and your company from allegations.