11 tips to make your employees fall in love 15 July 2015
What starts as an employee-employer relationship full of expectations, illusions and passion can end up becoming a marriage worn out by years of routine.
Did you know that, according to the “Happiness and Work Study”, the happy employees are 88% more productive?
A good employee-employer relationship full of expectations, excitement and passion is vital to ensure an optimal working environment. It is up to us, as a company, to ensure that the working relationship remains as fresh as it was when we first met.
Here are 11 tips to help you win over your employees:
Water the relationship daily
Good words, actions and gestures towards your employees are essential for maintaining good relationships: give them a treat if it's their birthday, make their lives easier with flexible work arrangements (transport assistance, meal vouchers...), continuously evaluate what can be done to improve things...
2. Communicate openly
Two-way internal communication is one of the most important factors for workflows to be as efficient and productive as possible. Listen to the other person, acknowledge good work, indicate the way forward, offer support in tough times, and negotiate when necessary. Don't let silence kill your relationship.
3. Express yourself clearly
No one can guess what the other is thinking or wants. To be able to meet expectations, employees need to know exactly what is expected of them. Objectives and deadlines must be clear and, if necessary, agreed upon by both parties to be realistic.
4. Change your policies, not the people
HR policies must adapt to the different personal and professional stages that employees go through. This can affect, among other things, remuneration policy or flexible working hours. Recognise good work and reward it with, for example, gift vouchers, holiday days, extra meals, etc.
Adopt a comfortable working pace
Although some employees perform better under pressure, maintaining a comfortable yet consistent work pace is the most efficient way to achieve results without negatively affecting relationships.
6. Learn to delegate
Trust is vital in any working relationship. Show the trust you have in your team by delegating work. Keep in mind that each employee will have their own working methods and quirks. Learn to adapt to them, after all, a good result is what counts.
7. Allow time for personal space
Looking after yourself is essential for giving your best at work. Don't see your employees' free time as a negative thing to put obstacles in the way of. Everyone (including yourself) should invest those moments with their family, friends, or by pursuing their favourite hobby. This enriches the individual and releases tension, which will undoubtedly help to increase results at work.
8. Enables your professional development
Are your employees stuck on the same project for too long? Look for ways to bring out talent. Allow employees to develop their careers horizontally (across different areas, for example) as this stimulates their motivation and gives them an overall view of the company.
9. Respect your employees
Undermining, judging without reason, offending or never giving in are ways to destroy the trust you have been building little by little. Don't make this mistake and resolve conflicts with open, respectful and professional communication.
10. Get out of the routine together
Reports, meetings, deadlines… The daily grind can be very stressful. That's why sharing relaxed moments outside the office will help you get to know each other better, relieve tension and build empathy. Try to disconnect from work together now and then.
11. And above all, a positive attitude!
Don't hesitate, there will be tough times; attitude is as important as aptitude to get through them. Be realistic, but positive, and turn problems into a challenging adventure. You must convey this at all times. This will serve to build even more trust. The team will appreciate it.
