The employee-employer relationship is not just a financial contract. It is a social bond where everyone in the organization works for the collective benefit of all. Employers should not only take into account the goals of the business but should consider the workers’ objectives. Business leaders must not think that compensation covers everything; instead, they should give their employees a lot of opportunities for learning, involvement, and growth. Aside from this, here are other ways to become a great employer:
1. Prioritize your employees’ safety over production
You need to make your employees feel that their safety is a substantial concern. Demonstrate your commitment to keeping them safe on the job by assessing potential risks on the worksite. Aside from having your workplace equipped with safety tools from Australia, you have to practice emergency response with everyone. This is to make sure that all of your staff are trained and understand the procedures.
Go beyond the minimum by soliciting your workers’ feedback. Ask them if they have safety concerns and ask their suggestions about possible solutions. When you foster a culture of safety, you will not only boost the morale of your workforce, but it will reduce the chances of workplace injuries and compensation claims.
2. Recognize the importance of work-life balance
When it comes to job satisfaction, employees say that pay is not everything. Workers are likely to choose a low-paying job that offers lesser working hours and can give them a better work-life balance. However, balancing professional and personal life is an elusive goal for many employees because of high business demands.
As the leader of the organization, you must understand that you shouldn’t sacrifice your workers’ well-being to achieve maximum productivity. Business needs might require employees to work late, but it can cause frustration, burn-out, and reduced productivity. Expert business leaders have different methods to promote work-life balance among their employees. These include defining business hours, setting clear boundaries with clients, restricting employee hours, and encouraging vacation.
Some employers trust their workers and allow them to work on their own time and terms as long as they adhere to set timelines and achieve the expected milestones. They will enable them to work remotely or enjoy office half-days. When you facilitate work-life balance for your employees, you will maintain a happy workplace with highly productive talents.
3. Be an open communicator
Open or honest communication can significantly impact employee engagement. Good business leaders consider their employees as business partners and inform them about what’s going on with the organization. You should talk to your employees about their progress and encourage their development. Use your words wisely and make sure that every criticism is delivered constructively.
Workplace communication must be two-way, so you have to break down any wall that divides you. Encourage them to talk. When they know they can ask or talk about things, no matter how trivial they are, without judgment, you can identify problems and give timely responses. The best way to create a culture of open communication in the company is to lead by example.
A good employer goes beyond what is stated in the employment contract, and use the organization to promote mutual benefits. While being a good business leader requires effort, it will pay off in the form of higher workplace morale, increased productivity, and lower employee turnover.
