Employer-Employee Relationship

Research shows that the success of a business is dependent on its employer-employee relationship, also known as the employment relationship. More studies have it that a thriving employer-employee relationship can unlock new possibilities for everyone at the workplace.

Establishing good employment relationships is not easy and can present various legal hurdles. To avoid such challenges, most organizations consult a top employment lawyer in Toronto
for the best outcome. Interested in a good employment relationship? Keep reading! 

Elements of a Good Employer-Employee Relationship

The elements of a good employee-employer relationship can include: 

 1. Safe Work Spaces

Employers should provide safe workspaces to their employees considering they spend a significant amount of time at the workplace. Also, employers MUST provide safe workspaces to their employees according to Canada Labour Standards Regulations. In other words, this is a mandatory obligation for all Canadian employers. 

What is a safe workspace? Besides preventing prevent workplace injuries or the spreading of diseases, a safe work environment prioritizes employee well-being. Safe workplaces promote a culture of co-working and respect among employees because workers feel secure. 

2. Communication 

Succeeding in business management is almost impossible without good communication skills. Besides, your team depends on clear directives to proceed or execute their work. On the other hand, you need their (worker’s) contribution to making better or informed choices and decisions. With good communication skills, a business owner can share the goal, mission, and value of the organization more clearly. 

3. Boundaries

Employment relationships should have boundaries, like all other relationships. There are two types of boundaries applicable to workplace relationships –professional and personal relationships boundaries. You may think that being so friendly and social with employees is a good thing but it’s not. 

Bonding with workers is okay but overdoing it can be disastrous. I’m sure you know that close friendships at the workplace end up being romantic in most cases, creating the perfect environment for sexual harassment and favoritism. The second boundary relates to work-life balance. Common decency dictates that employers shouldn’t contact employees after work except for emergencies. 

4. Staff Support

Employers should support workers to promote trust and respect. Employee support can be in different forms, such as:

  • Helping employees meet target;
  • Taking interest in employees’ personal goals and helping them achieve those goals. 
  • Providing the (means) which involves providing tools for performing a task;
  • Helping grieving employees–emotionally or financially;
  •  Helping employees acquire new skills, knowledge, and more.

Supporting your workers is important because you’ll be needing their backs daily. Castigating your workers for simple mistakes is unsupportive and may breed resentment.

5. Constructive Feedback

Employers and managers should provide constructive feedback to facilitate employees’ carrier growth and the long-term success of the organization. This doesn’t mean that gross misconduct should go unpunished–it simply means being composed and calm when dealing with workers. Above everything else, offer guidance when necessary. 

Tips for Enhancing Employer-Employee Relationships

The following recommendations can help businesses improve their employment relationships.

Encouraging Feedback from Employees

Employee feedback should be incorporated into the management strategy of an organization because they’re the ones on the ground. Employees can identify arising issues or challenges faster than employers and that’s why employers should encourage employee feedback. 

Acknowledging and Rewarding Good Performance 

No one hates to be praised for good performance–it’s a common weakness for all humans. Research shows that acknowledging and rewarding good performance is the easiest way to encourage employees to achieve more.  

Good performance can be rewarded in many ways, including promotion, financial consideration, and more. Also, psychology experts believe that employees who are appreciated are likely to achieve better performance to keep the praises coming.

Embracing Diversity

Embracing diversity of all forms is important for workplace environments because everyone will be able to appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of others in different ways. Also, conflict resolution can impact employee relationships, so why not embrace diversity? Embracing and celebrating individual differences in the workplace can promote a sense of unity and belonging.  

Facilitating Employee Training 

Knowledge is never enough regardless of your industry and that’s why employers should create training and development opportunities for their workers. Such opportunities provide employees with the right skills for career growth and advancement. Also, added knowledge will motivate, boost your team’s morale boost, and improve competency. 

Consider Employee Empowerment

Employee empowerment relates to support provided by employers and managers to help workers succeed. Besides improving employment relations, empowering your employees will boost the company’s outlook.

Setting Clear and Reasonable Expectations

Ensure your workers understand their roles and what you expect from them. This is particularly crucial to new workers because it helps them catch your vision. 

A thriving employer-employee relationship cannot be built overnight because it takes time to win employee trust, respect, and confidence. Understanding the elements of good workplace relationships can help employers build strong bonds with employees.

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