Typically, the employees look up to their managers with an expectation that managers will always make decisions that will impact them positively. Likewise, it is essential that in your organization employees, too, feel empowered to make crucial business decisions. It is this anatomy at the workplace, which fosters a much more efficient and an inspired culture in the organization—having a feeling of trust does lead to more productive and better work. However, at times it is challenging to ensure that your employees do feel in this manner. So, as a leader, it is your primary job to keep your employees inspired to create a positive work environment and take more responsibility. It is known as employee empowerment. The quintessential part of employee empowerment is giving them an authority to ensure that they can make independent decisions. Managers have to make an effort to support the employees continually. It will provide them with confidence, and they will be better adept at performing their roles. So, how to empower your staff? Let us find below.
Showcase your trust in them
Derrick, a senior manager with TrumpLearning, says that in his opinion, the best way to gain employee loyalty is to let your staff know that you trust them. Be there for them, but clarify the needs and not the means. Let the team handle the projects in their way. It might so happen that they might not accomplish everything that you could have, but at least, they will get the work donein their capacity.
Ensure clear communication
As a leader or a boss, it is crucial to ensure that everyone in your team is on the same page as you. The first step in getting the job done right is ensuring that everyone knows what they are supposed to accomplish in the first place. So, be clear and crisp when defining the roles of your staff, so they are clear on their duties at every step and do not overstep on each other’s toes.
Indulge in small talk with them
Well, you might not like small talk, but to strengthen your relationship with them, you should engage in a one-to-one conversation with them. These conversations can be made anywhere – in your office, in the break room, or at the nearby coffee shop. You must intentionally talk to them about their progress at work, ask them if they have any suggestions, complaints, or appreciate them for their accomplishments. You need to make an effort to know your staff at a personal level. You can ask them about their family or in general talk to them. It would give them an impression that you care for them at a human level, and there is more to it than just a superior and subordinate relationship. It will create a friendly environment at work and make the workplace far more productive. It will also help you grow as a leader. In a recent study, approximately ⅔ of people surveyed agreed that their boss has had a certain impact on their professional life. Do ensure that your impact on their career is positive.
Encourage improvement
When your employees educate themselves or learn new skills, it is helpful and beneficial for the company as a whole. A few companies also support continued education or classes outside their workplace to accentuate personal growth. Suppose you cannot lend them adequate financial support for their development. In that case, you should at least give them flexibility in schedule, especially when they are taking classes or doing things after work to improve their skills.
Keep your cabin door open
To empower your employees, you must let them know that you value their opinions. For this, you do not have to do anything elaborate, a simple gesture like keeping the door of your office open can be an excellent gateway to communicating this to them. Having an open-door policy at work gives the employees a feeling that you care for what they think. It makes them feel that you are approachable and builds their trust in you.
Support vacations
It may seem counterintuitive, but believe us when we say this, you will undoubtedly get more out of your employees if you prevent them from burning out. You have to try and assess the symptoms of burnout and avoid employees from getting anywhere close to it by actively supporting their vacation time. If an employee is rejuvenated and well-rested, they will be more productive, and their quality of work will improve. Of course, you do not have to give them a complete off week, but a long weekend now and then should be ok.
Delegate beyond work
As a manager or a boss, you will naturally have to delegate work to your subordinates, but ensure that it is not the only thing that you pass on to them. For instance, if in the middle of an important meeting, you get an urgent phone call, you can request a staff member to take up your role and lead the session. Always share the projects, which customers and people notice. It will make the employees feel that they are doing good for the business.
Be flexible
Angelina, a manager with FineGrades, says that life happens, and at times it is impossible to keep up with the deadlines, so every boss or superior should be flexible in their approach with the employees. Please do not put too much pressure of the deadlines on them. Of course, work needs to be completed in time, but a little flexibility now and then hurts no one.