Open and consistent communication between employees and employers is one of the most powerful tools in maintaining a positive and effective work environment.
We know that many employees in today’s workforce, including the ever-growing population of Millennials, prefer and are craving more feedback than ever, so that they can gauge where they are at and strategize how to improve. They thrive on consistent check-ins, and studies have shown they have a greater need for praise due to increased anxiety. As always, consistency is key.
While you are working on providing consistent feedback to your employees, it is just as important to always have available channels to receive feedback from your employees. When people feel heard, they are much more likely to feel favorable towards management and are thus more motivated to perform.
Check the pulse on what’s already happening. Are your employees finding your current incentive or rewards programs motivating? If not, open the door to suggestions. What works for one person, may not work for another. It can take some time, but is well worth figuring out what it is that will help your employees to maximize their potential to move the company forward. Are they feeling engaged? Ask questions, and schedule time to meet with employees for this reason. Scheduling this time indicates you care about their input and will encourage genuine feedback. While it can be difficult to hear negative feedback, it is crucial to the growth of your company. It will also come across as much more genuine when you are seeking out the opinion of individuals, empowering them, and giving them a voice. Their input will most likely turn out to be invaluable.
Once you have received feedback, it is just as important to follow through, and then follow up. What happened to those suggestions? Were changes made? That is what truly makes your employees feel heard.
If you’ve recently received feedback and need assistance on improving the direction of your company, contact an MI expert today.
Forbes.com: They Don’t Need Trophies But They Want Reinforcement. November 6, 2015.
