Building Strong Working Relationships With Your Employees

Establishing good working relationships with employees is crucial to an organization’s success. The quality of the employer-employee relationship affects each employee’s morale, productivity and, ultimately, the company’s bottom line. While each worker’s ideal work environment will vary, general expectations include a relationship that is mutually respectful, encourages open communication and is free of hostile working conditions.

Employees are a lot like plants: give them a place in the sun, just enough attention, but not too much, and room to grow and they’ll thrive. Keep them in the dark, hover over them too much, or neglect them outright, and they’ll fail to produce. If building a stronger relationship with your employees is important to you, you can’t go wrong by shining the spotlight on their achievements, giving them enough positive reinforcement without micromanaging, and allowing them to develop their talents.

During the new hire orientation process, ensure that as an employer you have familiarized the new employees with your organization. This is a better way rather than just collecting their papers. At least provide them with an overview of your organization and also try and familiarize them with key colleagues or departments that they will be in touch with during their stay in your organization.

Take time to educate employees about company policies, procedures and specific expectations that are required of them. Do not just give out a handbook or a personnel manual then ask them to go through it. Discuss in detail with them whatever information is contained in the handbook so that they can be in a position to understand better.

Review each employees job description with them so that there is a clear picture of what responsibilities are required of them. Once in a while, work with your employees so as to establish goals and provide feedback regarding progress and overall performance.

It is also very important to respond to employees’ questions and concerns in a timely and professional manner. In case of any complains or investigations, make follow ups so as to ensure that the matter at hand has fully been resolved. Include as much information as possible to your responses so that they can understand better the reasons that may have led to whatever decisions you make.

Once in a while, organize employee events such as team building, company picnics or awards to provide colleague recognition. Such events act as platforms for interaction with colleagues that they do not see on a regular basis. It also provides internal networking opportunities and is a great way to reward employees for their good work.

Article by Vera Shawiza.