November 8, 2021
If you are a business owner and you haven’t been affected by the Great Resignation, consider yourself fortunate. Month after month in 2021 record numbers of people have quit their jobs. While many factors are contributing to this mass exodus, many of them out of our control as business owners, the underlying theme seems to be that people are no longer willing to stay in a job where they are unhappy. So how can we, as owners, help increase job satisfaction among our employees?
Perhaps the biggest thing, and one that we can control, is our choice of – or our conduct as – managers. A 2018 study of employees leaving their jobs found that a bad manager was the reason that over half of those surveyed quit. It has also been found that an employee’s relationship with their manager is the most important work relationship that they have.
So what are some of the things to look for in a good manager? Let’s look at that from a different perspective, not the one we have as a business owner, and see what your employees might be looking for.
The first, and probably biggest, is open and clear communication. Goals need to be clear and feedback should be provided along the way. Don’t wait for a performance review to lay everything on the table, no one wants to be blindsided like that.
The second, which goes along with communication, is a manager who is open to hear what employees have to say. Employees want to feel safe speaking up, providing feedback, and asking for help. A good manager is open to all of that and willing to listen.
Finally, employees are looking for managers who will help them grow. An effective manager will recognize the skills your employees have and help nurture them in a way that help your company succeed. Employees want to know that if there is an opportunity for advancement that fits their skills, the manager will help them take that step.
If you are fortunate enough to have happy employees, including your managers, don’t forget to let them know how much you appreciate them. If you are looking for some simple, inexpensive and free ways to do that, check this out. Looking for more small business news and tips? Connect with me on LinkedIn where I share articles and information relevant to small business ownership.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: 1. The information above does not constitute legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. Please consult your attorney with specific questions. 2. As this situation is constantly changing, we will make every effort to stay current on this topic, however this information is provided as general guidance and may not apply to your situation, nor should it be relied upon exclusively. Please consult and confirm with your attorney if you have questions about these updates or their applicability. 3. In some jurisdictions this communication/website might constitute legal advertising. The choice to hire an attorney who is right for your business should not be made based solely upon advertisements. If you would like to learn more about our firm, please click here to learn about our firm and how to contact us. |
Copyright © *2022* *Law Offices of Lindsey King*, All rights reserved.*