How Positive Employee Relationships Can Impact Employee Experience
Everyone wants a business built on a strong foundation. And while several aspects contribute to your organization’s core, the sturdiness of your foundation is directly dependent on internal employee relationships. They not only matter, they impact just about every aspect of your business. Positive employee relationships play a significant part in overall employee experience, which affects everything from turnover to teamwork to company success.
So how exactly do employee relationships impact employee experience, and why are they so important? We’ve pulled four major areas to consider:
A Sense of Belonging: Positive relationships in the workplace lead to higher levels of employee engagement, job satisfaction, and well-being. Relationships help us develop a greater sense of belonging within our work, and those with this type of connection to their organization are more motivated and enthusiastic; in short, they contribute their best work. According to a Gallup study, people who consider their colleagues as close friends are seven times more likely to be engaged in their jobs. We already know a high level of engagement equals increased job satisfaction, and that in turn reduces turnover and associated recruitment costs; a true win-win.
Communication & Collaboration: Open communication is essential for productive teamwork, and there must be a certain level of trust between colleagues in order for this to take place. Employees who feel comfortable sharing ideas, giving and receiving feedback, and working together to solve problems not only boost productivity but drive innovation and creativity within the organization. By intentionally creating an environment where open communication is encouraged and valued (think: regular team meetings, feedback sessions, and open-door policies), you can help to facilitate transparent and honest relationships among your team, while minimizing misunderstandings. Conflict resolution happens more swiftly and efficiently when open communication and solid relationships are present.
Mental Health: Workplace relationships play a significant role in employees' mental and emotional well-being. Positive interactions with colleagues can reduce stress levels and create a supportive environment where employees feel valued and understood. When employees have a network of supportive relationships at work, they are better equipped to handle challenges and are more resilient when faced with adversity.
Employee/Manager Relationships: While you may be thinking mostly of peer-to-peer relationships, the true center of employee relationships is the employee to manager relationship. If a staff member loves their colleagues, but has a terrible relationship with their boss, their time within the organization can (and often, will) deteriorate. These relationships truly form the foundation of your work culture, and employees who feel connected to their managers are even more likely to be engaged and motivated. In turn, managers who take the time to get to know, understand, and support their employees will help to create a more productive, communicative, and enthusiastic team. In order for this specific relationship to flourish (we all know it can be tricky), it requires open and honest communication; the ability to share concerns and constructive feedback must go both ways. Managers should be willing to listen and provide support, and staff members must be willing to hear feedback, learn, and grow alongside their manager and fellow employees. When done with intentionality and care, these relationships are the ones that take organizations from good to great.
A connected workforce is a productive and loyal one. Positive employee relationships are the foundation of a collaborative, supportive, and productive work environment. When employees share strong, positive connections with their colleagues (and managers), it leads to numerous benefits for both individuals and the organization as a whole. By prioritizing positive relationships, organizations can create a supportive and engaging employee experience that drives success and growth.
