Relations between the manager and employee are a crucial aspect of everyday business operations. Some managers do not realize when employees are dissatisfied, uninspired, or experiencing burnout.
Most times, these negative outcomes are caused by unfavorable workplace conditions which directly affect employee performance and retention. If you are not focused on employee relations as a manager, it could be costly for the business. This post details how to improve relations between employees and managers.
Promote Cooperation in the Workplace
Managers should ensure that workers understand work performance isn’t about competing with each other. It is about working together to achieve a common goal. For example, you could work together on different projects to please your customers or clients. A manager will delegate specific tasks to one employee, but each task is linked to another to provide high-quality services or goods.
Good communication in the workplace is crucial. Managers should interact more with workers to build stronger cooperation. More communication allows managers to help employees improve their skills at work. There are various activities to build better communication skills between workers, they include:
- Training programs
- Workshops
- Seminars
- Office luncheons
Employees who attend these activities have an opportunity to interact more with their managers. As a result, they turn their insecurities and weaknesses into strengths for success.
Inspire Your Employees
Although each employee has a specific responsibility, teams in different departments need to recognize they are working for the same goal. The manager should inform each department of the monthly target that is set. He/She should reward and offer incentives to employees for reaching the target. Here are a few ways to do it:
- Free lunch
- Gift cards
- Bonuses
- Corporate branded items (accessories, T-shirts)
- Fitness perks (gym membership)
Workers find it exciting to do daily tasks when there are other benefits in addition to the paycheck. Employees will accomplish more in their work when they are offered incentives.
Take Advantage of Employee Feedback
Employee feedback is important to a company’s internal operations. Instead of making crucial decisions without your employees’ input, talk to them about strengths and weaknesses in different departments. As an employer, you can gauge how your managers are performing their responsibilities. Employee feedback makes them feel more valued and appreciated. You can use an anonymous employee feedback tool to get everyone’s views without being victimized.
Resolve Conflict Rationally
Employee conflict is inevitable in the workplace, and how to resolve it should also be a top priority. Issues between colleagues can easily interfere with the operations of the company. It is important to resolve them in a timely and rational manner. Approach the situation with an open mind, and do not be quick to judge before hearing both sides.
Lack of proper communication plays a big role in conflicts that arise between colleagues. Remember to ask what each party said and whether any of them made an effort to clear any misunderstanding before reporting. Many organizations lose employees over simple issues of miscommunication.
Endnote
No employer wants their workers to fear coming to work every day. Use the above tips to improve manager and employee relations, and make your organization a friendlier, and more productive workplace for all.