5 Ways to Be a Better Boss and Improve Employee Relations

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Dealing with bad or unbearable bosses is something we will all go through in our working lives, and it can be the biggest factor in our decision to move on to a new role. To make sure that you have the best chance of keeping those valuable employees and keeping productivity levels high, it’s important you can maintain strong employee relationships.

Reed Commercial recently conducted OnePoll a survey asking current managers how previous bosses influenced their own managerial approach. Below are a few of the answers collected, describing the little things that made their bosses difficult to work with. These points could help to improve your own employee relations and make sure you aren’t falling into the bad boss trap.

Be aware of micromanaging

One of the most popular answers from the survey regarding what employees disliked most about their bosses was micromanaging. Make sure you are organised and your team are on track, but also give them room to breathe, learn and create solutions on their own terms.

Listen to what your team has to say

Remember that even though you are a leader, you are still a part of a team. You should be utilising the range of skills, experience and knowledge of your employees and taking their ideas and creative solutions into consideration. Listening to your team will not only increase productivity, but will also allow them to improve their own knowledge and skills, which will ultimately benefit your business.

Give credit where credit is due

Nothing is more frustrating than someone else taking credit for all of your hard work. If a member of your team has done a particularly great job, created a solution to a pressing problem or shown that they are a valued member of the team, make sure you acknowledge it. A number of the survey participants stated that a boss taking credit for their work was one of the reasons they left the business to become their own boss.

Get your hands dirty

One of your main roles as a boss is to provide support when needed. Too many bad bosses reach the top and think their work is done and that they can sit back and watch their team do all the hard work. Make sure you are available to lend a helping hand with any tasks your team may be struggling with and don’t be afraid to do the little things, especially if it means taking the pressure off your employees.    

Keep your finger on the pulse

As a boss you should always be a few steps in front of your employees. Make sure you are keeping up to date with the latest changes and news in your industry, take as many courses and classes as possible to keep your knowledge and skills sharp. You need to be in a position to provide support, by answering any questions and solving any problems your team may approach you with.

When looking at the results of the survey, it was clear that lack of communication was the biggest issue when it came to employee relations. Make sure that your employees not only feel valued, but also take into consideration their own personal career goals and what they want to achieve out of their job role. Be approachable, knowledgeable and flexible and you will be on your way to being a better boss with more productive and happier employees.

Reed Commercial