Insights on Employee Relations
Isobel Brett was recently asked to give a talk on employee relations to the inaugural meeting of a group of 20 local female business leaders in Gravesend.
Having risen through the ranks of her organisation from staff member to manager and in the last two years as business owner Isobel has experienced employee relations from “both sides of the fence”.
Isobel’s five top tips
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Effective communication
Employees need to understand their role in your organisation and what is expected of them. It is important that a manger or business owner communicates their wishes and instructions clearly and precisely. Vague and ambiguous instructions are stressful for those who are expected to fulfil them and likely to result in objectives not being achieved.
Remember that your words have consequences and thoughtless words can demoralise and demotivate your staff.
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Don’t blur the boundaries
A manager or business owner should have a friendly relationship with their staff and should show an interest in their lives so as not to become an inaccessible and remote figurehead. But you cannot be everyone’s best friend and counsellor and there will be occasions when you have to have difficult conversations with your staff members about their performance or changes in the workplace and these will be even more difficult if you have too close a personal relationship.
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Delegation
It can be a temptation not to delegate where the manager or business owner knows that they can complete a task quicker and to a higher standard than your employees but they will not learn or develop their potential if you do not give them the opportunity to do so.
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Regular staff meetings
These should not be regarded as a chore. They provide an opportunity for the business owner to share their vision of how they want the business to develop and grow and provide employees with the opportunity to express their views and ideas that will help you to achieve your goals. Employees should be rewarded for ideas that promote growth or improve efficiency. Employees who feel invested in their company’s success will be more productive and motivated than those that do not.
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One on One time and Appraisals
Find time to spend with your employees giving feedback on their performance and areas where they need to improve. Try to always find something positive to say you do not want a completely demoralised employee. Don’t let the appraisal process become a “tick box” exercise it is a valuable tool that should assist in enabling the employee to develop their potential and thereby meet the needs of your business and their own personal goals.
Bretts BR is a co-sponsor of the new Gravesham Women in Business group. The next meeting is on 15th March 2013 from 8am meeting at The Kent Room, Woodville Halls, Gravesend . Details on how to book