Editor’s note: In a previous post, I introduced you to the Employee Job Satisfaction and Engagement survey, which is conducted annually by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). The survey is used as a tool to identify factors that influence overall employee satisfaction and engagement in the workplace, and it’s results provide insight to employee preferences and highlight key areas for businesses to consider as they develop and enhance initiatives for organizational improvement. The survey assesses 43 aspects of satisfaction and 37 aspects of engagement that are both categorized into eight areas, and I am dedicating a blog entry to each area. For this blog, we are focusing on the area of Employee Relationships with Management.
It’s now time to talk about one of the most important aspects of the job: the relationship between employee and manager. I truly believe the dynamic between an employee and his or her manager determines how long an employee remains in a job, and the survey results explain why best:
“Because employees spend much of their waking hours at work, it is not difficult to understand the importance of interpersonal dynamics in the workplace. Toxic relationships can quickly lead to disgruntled employees, waning effectiveness levels and other negative consequences. Positive relationships based on a foundation of mutual trust and understanding have the potential to enhance productivity and organizational success.”
While other aspects of work might be less than ideal, its not unlikely for employees to remain at their jobs because of the support they receive from and loyalty they feel toward their managers. However, on the other side of the same coin, no matter how good a job is, employees are likely to quit if their relationship with management is strenuous.
According to survey results, respectful treatment of all employees at all levels was the number one thing that contributes to overall satisfaction in the area of management relations. Approximately two-thirds–67 percent–of employees polled deemed this aspect to be very important to their job satisfaction, and 71 percent of those polled said they sere satisfied with the level of respect to all employees at their respective workplaces. Following respect to all employees was (in order): trust between employment and senior management (55 percent), relationship with immediate supervisor (53 percent) and immediate supervisors respect for employees’ ideas (43 percent). Also, nearly half of those polled–48 percent–reported that management’s recognition of their job performance was very important to their job satisfaction.
So, what do we do with this information? Well, if you are a manager, you can start by evaluating your relationships with your employees. Are you showing the same amount of respect to everyone? Are you open to hearing ideas? I found this excellent Forbes article by contributor John Hall titled “11 Simple Ways to Show Your Employees You Care.” As an employee myself, I can say I recommend every single one of these suggestions. It means so much to me when my manager takes interest in my life, hears what I have to say and has my back during tough situations.
Eleven things you can to do show your employees you care:
- Go above and beyond to personally help them.
- Relate to them; don’t act like you’re above them.
- Show you care about their personal life.
- Show interest in their significant others.
- Back them up with clients.
- Do things that set you apart and aren’t required.
- Be real and transparent with them.
- Make time for them.
- Little things do matter; tel them you’re thankful for them.
- Create opportunities for new experiences.
- Be aware of the expectations you set and be realistic.
If you show your employees you care, they will show you they care right back. As an employee, I believe it is so important to feel appreciated and respected at work. It makes going to work so much more enjoyable, and having a good relationship with a manager is really a make or break thing for me. When I am in management roles, I always try to give out what I would like to receive, which I think that is a good motto to live by both in the workplace and in life. So try it out! Put out respect and care for your employees, and see what you have the potential to receive from them.
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