Updated: Feb 3
As a leader, dealing with work can be extremely challenging, especially because of constantly having to track performance and attain numbers. Many times because of such pressure, it becomes difficult for leaders to focus on their employees. After all, employees can’t simply be happy at work with the salary they get, but also require care and attention. Not acknowledging their efforts, ignoring their achievements, not getting to know them as human beings or not supporting them when they need their manager - are signs that employees are being taken for granted. But, if employees don’t get the support they need, it may lead to them thinking they’re not valued at the workplace. Ensuring that you’re not taking your employees for granted is also a step towards employee engagement.
Employees thrive on appreciation, rewards and recognition. It validates the work they’ve been doing and keeps them motivated to do more. Not only is ensuring you value your employees helpful in terms of retention but also keeps them charged to take over more responsibilities - which means better business for the organisation. From this, you’ll realise that taking employees for granted is a matter of business development and not just an ethical working style. Although, added work pressure can sometimes lead to managers not realising this. Here’s what can help you determine if you’ve been taking your employees for granted:
Acknowledging Employee Efforts
Employees put in a lot of effort to get work done. Many times they end up doing more than they have accounted for. Acknowledging their efforts and appreciating them especially when they go out of their way to get something done is really important. It asserts the fact that they’re needed at the workplace, which on the other hand boosts their morale. If managers don’t indulge in appreciation, it makes employees lose their motivation.
Investing In A Rewards And Recognition Programme
Remuneration is important, but so are rewards and recognition. While salary is what supports their life, R&R programmes motivates the workforce to give their best. It helps individual employees and teams celebrate successes big and small, as well as keeps them engaged at work. At the same time, it ensures that they are well-prepared for the next project. So, consider a plan for rewards and recognition programmes, that appreciates their efforts with tokens like trophies, office merchandise or gift vouchers.
Encouraging Employees To Take Time Off
Many employees work beyond the allotted number of hours to meet their deadlines. They sit back in office till late, open their laptops on weekends and don’t bother applying for vacation leaves either. While this shows that employees are dedicated towards their work, it also leads to a drop in creativity and energy levels. A leader must encourage employees to relax from time to time, and come back to work re-energised. This will make employees realise that they are being cared for, mentally as well as physically.
Bothering About Employees’ Life Outside Work
Realising the fact that employees have a separate life beyond work is necessary as well. This makes them understand that you’re treating them like a human and not just any other employee. Unlike in the case of the previous generation, younger employees like to be paid attention to and are comfortable sharing the story of their lives, their passions and hobbies. Also, they have certain career goals and are curious about new trends. Discussing where they see themselves, and what they’re expecting from the job is important too.
Earning Respect As A Manager
For any leader, being respected is a sign of success. But, that respect is earned only when a leader bestows the same amount of care and appreciation on employees. Along with ensuring that you appreciate, care for, recognise and encourage employees to be the best version of themselves, there are certain other things to keep in mind. Like, not being authoritative, or being a know-it-all, letting jealousy take over or ignoring any feedback employees might have. Instead, believe in the team, get to know them and it will have a positive impact on the business.