How to Build and Sustain a Healthy Employer – Employee Relationship?

By Ousman Seckan

I will begin by stressing that no matter the situation at the workplace, collaboration is always better than confrontation. While some business executive in The Gambia work  hard to ensure a healthy employer – employee relationship frictions at workplace, some are not. This friction can emanate either from the employer or the employee . In this article, I explain ways employers can build and sustain a healthy working relationship with their employees.

1. Promote honest relationship.

We understand that every business has trade secrets. However, keeping this secret away from your employees may have rebound effects. Thus, allowing employees to sign the no-disclosure agreement can allay that fear.

In addition, is important for employers to be honest with their employees.  Hiding the truth from  your employee, may erode trust, which will eventually have overarching impact on the work output . As an employer, there is no sense in displaying double standard in your dealing with staff. Be always honest with all your all employees, no matter the circumstance, being honest with them will make you  earn their respect. This is healthy for your relationship and business growth.

2. Ensure constant communication

Mind you that communication is always a two-way process. As such, sharing and acknowledging information shared are necessary. To ensure swift response and compliance, communication should be done in a transparent and straightforward manner. This will not only keep staff updated, but will also enhance their value at work. When the need arises, have a face -to- face communication with your employees rather than using a third party. Talking to them directly is important  sometimes as it  will help boost their self-esteem and  build a strong bond.

3.  Promote autonomy  

Business should go on whether you are there or not. Thus, it important to promote autonomy so that your employees can keep business moving at all times. To do this, assign tasks, give time for staff to do the work, monitor and the follow up on their performance. This ensure productivity as well as boost staff confidence.

4. Embrace open door – policy

Another way to maintain employer/employee relations is by maintaining an open door policy. This exists when your team or an employee feels comfortable approaching you with questions, concerns and new ideas, in  natural give – and -take develops. Embracing an open door – policy is crucial as it makes an employer to be open to new ideas and get to know the real issues of the workplace and an employee.

5. Involve employees in decisions making

It is common knowledge that there are decisions that can only be made by leaders of the institution Nonetheless; there are circumstances when employers need to involve employees in decision-making. Do not underestimate your employees; you will be surprised to know that they may have great ideas that could be useful. Involving and seeking their views, will make them an instrumental players. Besides, this will make employers  feel been integral part of the business. Therefore, as an employer, you need to give your employee input to help them feel valued. This will considerably strengthen employer-employee relationship.

About the author

Ousman Seckan is a freelance journalist and blogger. He holds an Advanced Diploma in Journalism and Communication. You can follow him on: httpts://wwwfacebook.com/ousman.seckan.9678 or https://www.linkedin.com/in/ousman-seckan-a0122319a/ or send an email to: oseckan75@gmail.com