“Always treat your employees exactly as you want them to treat your best customers” – Stephen R. Covey

Building a strong relationship with your employees is no easy task. However, it is important to realize how important this is not only for the successful implementation of projects and the achievement of business goals, but also and especially for the improvement of the working atmosphere, which affects not only the mood of your employees, but also you as a leader or employer. In remote and hybrid workplaces, ensuring employee satisfaction and engagement is paramount, but increasingly difficult to achieve.

What is employee relations?
Employee relations encompasses the interaction between the management team, HR representatives and employees that has a significant impact on workplace culture. Cultivating positive employee relations serves to increase employee productivity, reduce workplace conflict, and create a pleasant work atmosphere.

Strong Employee Team Relationship: How to Build it?

External employee benefits
A number of companies, such as Netflix, have begun experimenting with unusual benefits such as unlimited days off. Worried about excessive absenteeism from work? Researchers found that people with access to unlimited leave actually spent more days at work than those with structured leave. And in the workplace, the important thing should be whether the work gets done, not for how many days.

Reimbursement of employee training costs
Starbucks, Apple, Bank of America, Best Buy… these are just a few of the companies that offer training reimbursement to their employees. Not only is this a valuable benefit for many job candidates, but it’s also a good business strategy to invest in the education of those already working for you. By reimbursing them for expensive training, you are giving them the opportunity to improve their skills, which in turn will benefit your company.

Allow everyone to create their own workplace
Your employees spend much of their day at work, so allow them to design their area in a way that is personal and appealing to them. This may mean choosing a standing or adjustable desk, office chair, etc. They shouldn’t have to worry about arranging their cubicle or office the way they would feel comfortable. When we customize our space, we experience a greater sense of satisfaction, which in turn contributes to productivity.

Introduction of wellness initiatives
Consider introducing new and fun initiatives to increase happiness and feelings of well-being. Building a common healthy habit, bringing colleagues and their children, families, etc. closer together, and a bunch of other ideas that would contribute to team bonding.
Promote employee engagement through collaborative communication.
When offering guidance to your team, the way you phrase your instructions profoundly influences how they interpret your message and their role in the task. Opt for phrases like “why don’t we try” instead of “you have to,” as this showcases appreciation and fosters collaboration.

Streamline communication and reduce unnecessary meetings.
Research consistently reveals that meetings are a major productivity obstacle for employees. On average, professionals attend nearly 62 meetings per month, with 63 percent lacking a clear agenda, and 73 percent of participants multitasking during meetings. Whenever feasible, utilize alternative communication methods such as email or other means that won’t disrupt ongoing projects.

Foster a Healthy Company Culture with Engaging Activities.
In the realm of workplace news, it’s crucial to inject some fun into your company’s culture. A change of pace can work wonders, as it boosts happiness and relaxation among employees. Consider celebrating each employee’s birthday with a delectable cake and a lively rendition of “Happy Birthday,” organizing a monthly company-sponsored evening for drinks, or coordinating entertaining softball tournaments. Providing staff with the anticipation of enjoyable rewards can significantly enhance the overall workplace experience.

Prioritize Employee Workload Management.
In an era of workforce-related updates, it’s essential to maintain realistic expectations regarding the workloads of your employees. Overloading them can lead to burnout, a leading factor behind employee turnover. Research indicates that productivity significantly declines when individuals work more than 50 hours. However, if you must assign additional tasks, demonstrate your appreciation by offering a raise or promotion. Alternatively, consider expanding your workforce if persistent heavy workloads are the norm.