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Movies are made about them, cartoons are cartooned about them – nothing's worse than a horrible work environment.
Whether it’s unnecessary micromanagement or boring cookie-cutter workspaces, many employers make the mistake of over-controlling/under-rewarding their employees. Luckily there is one great thing about working in a terrible office - the insight you gain in the process.
I know I’ve said on more than one occasion: “If I was a manager, I’d never do that,” or “When I own my own business, I’m gonna buy all my employees lunch!”
In a recent study mentioned in The Globe and Mail, when asked to “rate the traits that employees find most important in their leaders, respect edged out financial stability, opportunity for career growth, learning, flexibility in the work environment and recognition.”
When developing/managing effective teams, respect should be top priority. After all, you don’t want your team sympathizing with Rodney Dangerfield – you want your employees to be happy, engaged and, most importantly, respected.
Here are some practical ways to show respect for your employees (in no particular order):
Feed people – If your business has a busy stretch, or even better, if you’re always busy, start a lunch service. Whether it’s Pizza Mondays, Pretzel Tuesdays or BBQ Thursdays in the summer (as we do here at IBEX), keeping your employees fed is a VERY good idea. This holds especially true if your employees often work through their lunch breaks.
Avoid micromanaging – Your goal should be to build the competency and confidence in your employees to manage their own workload on their own. You should act as a coach and resource, not a taskmaster. If your employees are constantly looking over their shoulders, you’re doing something wrong.
Print business cards – This is so simple it’s funny. Have you ever been denied business cards because of cost reasons? Business cards are cheap and that small investment shows you expect/want them to stick around for a while. Plus, this gives your employees something tangible to show friends and family when they’re bragging about their workplace.
Consider creative compensation – Raises are a great way to show respect – no one’s denying that. There are other forms of compensation that act as great motivators as well. Starting a profit sharing plan or rewarding employees with bonuses such as trips, extra holiday time or other incentives tailored to their individual interests and hobbies is a great idea.
Understand individual work habits – Some people work better in short bursts. Some people get more done at home. Some people think better when pacing the room wearing a giant sombrero. Find out how your employees like to work and encourage them. A huge part of employee respect is acknowledging and rewarding individuality – if you want a team of robots, purchase a team of robots.
Give back time – If your employees have side projects they work on in their own time, odds are they will have them on their mind at the office too. You may find some employees already work on personal projects during business hours. Try a program where your employees can spend one hour a week working on their own project. Let them collaborate, share ideas and work together on personal goals and tasks. Also, get involved yourself – your help will create bonds within your team, plus you’ll gain insight into their unique thought processes, interests and skills - this more than makes up for a few lost hours of labour.
Don’t sweat the small stuff – Punishing things like an employee showing up five minutes late creates an atmosphere of fear and anger. Not good! Trust your employees and reward their work with freedom. Do you want someone watching your every move?
Provide Efficient tools – Whether it’s large computer monitors or comfy chairs, these tools are essential for employee productivity and, more importantly, health and happiness. Make work comfortable so your employees enjoy showing up.
These are just a few ways you can show your employees you respect them. If you have more ideas, email
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.
As well, stay tuned for our upcoming article featuring ways to show respect for your employer.
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