by Sun Meilan

Created on: March 16, 2010   Last Updated: May 02, 2011

An employee's happiness at work is often linked with the way that they are treated. A badly treated employee is not good for anyone - the employee or the organisation. If you want to ensure that all employees are treated well at work, the following factors need to be taken into consideration. 

Respect

Even the most junior people in the workplace deserve to be treated with respect. If the hierarchy really bothers you, you don't have to become their best friend, but a pleasant greeting and a few words will make them feel better and it certainly won't do you any harm. People, no matter who or what they are, don't like to be treated as if they don't exist. 

Professional behaviour

Few employees need to have the rule book spouted at them every few minutes, but they do expect to have employers who abide by the law and treat them professionally. You may have a personal difficulty with one member of staff, but you should still treat them like any other employee and deal with any issues in private. Likewise, flirting with employees can be fun, but take it too far, and you could be accused of sexual harassment. Don't run the risk. 

Consideration

Employees may be required to work for you, but they would prefer it if you could consider their feelings as far as possible. If one of them is having a hard time at home, then cut them some slack and ask them to let you know if they are struggling. This doesn't mean that you should be seen as a pushover, but the knowledge that employees can approach you when necessary will be much appreciated. 

Positivity

If you are a generally a pessimistic person, try to keep your negativity away from employees. For a start, it can be catching, but it can also encourage employees to moan and complain about things that are unlikely to be changed. If you approach everything, including the employees, in a positive frame of mind, then it will help them to see the positive side of things and they will hopefully be a lot happier for it. 

Gratitude

The fact that employees are paid for what they do does not mean that they don't want to know that you (and the organization in general) are grateful for what they do. You don't need to go overboard by thanking them every day, but do give praise where praise is due. An occasional lunch out or drinks after work will also give you a chance to show your gratitude. Employees who feel they are valued are more productive. 

Firmness 

Employees don't want a boss who is on top of them all the time, barking out orders. Then again, without any kind of pressure to perform, the chances are they are going to slacken and not get the job done - and their respect for you will go out of the window. The key is to be firm enough so that they know they have to buckle down and do their job, without filling them with such awe that they are afraid of you. 

If your employees are treated right, they will be more productive and they are likely to stay with the company for longer. In the long run, that makes you look better too. 

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