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Employers are responsible for many things within the organization, both from a macro and a micro perspective. Subsequently, they have a lot of power and say in how productive employees are in the day-to-day operation.
A strong relationship between you and your employee can significantly impact how productive they are in the workplace. Therefore, you should do everything in your power to continue to build upon and foster your relationship with them.
There are many different ways you can empower your employees which will improve work quality and efficiency. Below are some of them.
Establish Connection
People want to know that they are a part of something, big or small. They want to be able to connect and commune with each other which is why social media is such a significant platform to this day. As an employer, it is your duty to bridge the gap between you and your employees and establish a connection with them.
You don’t have to do anything unprofessional or too casual to be able to do this. Just create a reputation for yourself as someone that they can openly seek guidance from. A quick 5-minute chat will suffice to create a connection with your employee.
It won’t take much out of your day. Plus, it won’t make employees feel like they’re just part of a machine by showing the human side of the business.
Demonstrate Trust
Part of establishing a strong relationship with your employees is giving them your trust. You need to communicate that you trust their decisions. After all, they are still working professionals so it is vital that you treat them that way.
Allow them to take some appropriate risks and let them lead projects. Don’t micromanage every task and assignment. Let them do their thing and offer your feedback afterwards to guide them in the right direction.
When you demonstrate trust and encourage their independence, what you communicate is that communications with you aren’t one-sided deals. It is a collaboration that they are a part of.
Support Creative Thinking
People can be hesitant to adhere to anything else other than how things are usually done. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. However, innovation is the key to having a sustainable business model. Therefore, employers must be open to a bit of creative thinking.
Sometimes, the previous system may be inefficient and it can be improved. Support your employees’ creative thinking by systematizing it and organizing a time when they are free to communicate their ideas and suggestions to you.
Knowing that their input is important can encourage employees to have initiative and to always look out for the future of the business.
Provide a Clean and Healthy Environment
A dirty and cluttered workplace is a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Plus, it creates hazardous spaces for your employees.
According to MaidSailors, NYC Office Cleaning provider, a clean and healthy environment doesn’t only improve the physical well-being of your employees. It also boosts their mental well-being too.
A clutter-free office gives breathing room for your employees. It makes them less stressed and more focused on the job. They won’t have to spend a lot of time looking for the items that they need, so it saves time too.
Aside from that, they are less likely to take a day off because of an illness. A clean and tidy office has the additional effect of fewer viral infections spreading in the office.
Allow Corporate Breathing Space
A single workday can be pretty hectic and stressful. Stress is bad for the development of the business so it is crucial that employees get to relax. However, their desk is hardly an appropriate place to do that.
For this reason, it is important that you address this issue beforehand and create an environment for employees to de-stress and center themselves. Create private spaces or lounge areas for them to relax and take their minds away from work for a while.
Although private spaces are well and good, they aren’t the only ways you can create corporate breathing space. Corporate breathing space doesn’t have to be physical spaces, they can also be policies.
Incorporate days when employees can work remotely so that they have the chance to be within the comfort of their own home.
Employers who are empathic and open-minded yet firm are the ones that inspire employees to be the best at their work. Excellent employers aren’t just people that employees look up to in their career, but they are also people that serve as role models.
The task of empowering your employees need not be difficult and time-consuming. All of the ways that you have read above are manageable and doesn’t take many resources. As long as you keep in mind how to better the lives of employees, you will reap the benefit of their work and create long-lasting relationships too.
Infographic provided by Halock Security Labs, a cyber security consulting firm
