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Employee Relations
Being an employer calls for the use of authority, imagination,
tact, and patience. As an employer, you must recognize that people
are not all motivated in the same fashion. Some thrive on additional
responsibilities; others prefer consistent expectations. Some need
constant praise and encouragement; others generate their own sense
of accomplishment.
Whatever their differences, when employees are treated with respect,
honesty, and courtesy from the start of their employment, their
long-term commitment to their jobs and positive attitude about them
increases.
There are several measures which contribute to good employee/employer
relations. These include:
- Make sure your employees clearly understand what is expected
of them. This can be accomplished through job descriptions and
through formal or informal job training. Training is not only
good public relations; it also makes your employees more productive.
- Explain to new employees how their job fits into your overall
business operations and how important it is.
- Whenever possible, promote from within the company. Also, as
employees' performance increases, so should their wage rate and
responsibilities.
- Make sure your employees understand their rights and benefits,
including regular wage and overtime pay, holiday pay, and holiday
time.
- Establish an open working relationship with your employees.
Encourage their input, and be willing to discuss any issues, problems,
or concerns they may have.
- Deal with all complaints or conflicts among employees fairly,
openly, and directly
- Compliment employees when they do a good job. Correct performance
problems constructively (without criticism). Record performance
observations, and meet with employees on a regular basis to discuss
their performance.
- Make sure your employees understand company policy on issues
such as overtime, holiday scheduling, promotions, and regular
wage increases.
- Do not play favourites. Employee benefits, salary increases,
and promotions should be based on merit and on established rules.
For details on an employer's legal responsibilities to employees,
refer to ED&T's Starting
a Small Business.
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