Strategies for improving employee relations

A strong team is integral to the success of any organisation. It not only means that your employees perform well individually, but more importantly that they function efficiently and cohesively as a team. Whether you are experiencing problems with employee relations or you simply want to make sure your company ticks all the right boxes, here are some simple and foolproof ways of creating a more harmonious work environment.

• Assign group targets. Sometimes healthy competition between co-workers can create an “every man or woman for themselves” culture, that pits employees against each other. To combat this atmosphere, set some group targets for your employees to focus on. This will simultaneously encourage team spirit whilst still maintaining a target driven environment.
• Improve communications and efficiency using service management software. Simple, effective and clear communication channels make everyone’s life easier and prevents those miscommunications that can breed negative relations.

• Focus on career development. Communicate with your employees about long term goals for the business and show a genuine interest in your employees’ future ambitions and goals. Doing this will help you understand what your employees want from their careers and how you can provide them with opportunities for development.

• Organise social events. Keep a record of birthdays and business milestones in a calendar and take up opportunities to arrange staff socials. Even if it’s just bringing cake into the office on birthdays, making an effort to spend time with your employees on a personal level will in turn improve employee relations on a professional level.

• Regular casual meetings. This is a great way to not only provide a low pressure platform for employees to air their views, concerns or ideas but it’s also a way of keeping everyone in the loop about company goals, news and developments. This way everyone is included in the values and aims of the company and can share in mutual goals.

• Create safe spaces for employees. Taking on too much work is one of the most common causes for workplace stress. Creating channels for employees to open up about their mental health, physical health and personal commitments and how their work is affecting these, is invaluable for creating a culture of mutual trust and understanding.

These straightforward but powerful tactics will improve the running of the company, minimise your own workload and provide your employees with a better job satisfaction. With these tips under your belt creating and maintaining an efficient, positive and professional working environment has never been easier.