by Marlene Mcpherson

Created on: July 10, 2010   Last Updated: July 12, 2010

The importance of providing ongoing feedback to employees

 The workplace is like a second home for a number of people so a healthy relationship will form the basis for rich conversations in the form of ongoing feedback.  The latter is essential for growth and development of both the employee and ultimately the organization.    The importance of feedback can be liken to the building blocks for the organization, so for effective building to take place there must be objectivity, timeliness and assurance given to the employees so that they can continue to be committed to the organization and simultaneously, have their needs met from time to time.

 A feedback is a response to a query, it can take the form of a simple question in which an immediate response is needed; for example ‘will you be able to complete compiling the report for the meeting tomorrow?’ or it can be in form of a research, in which a specific time is given for the task to be done, for example ‘How far are you with the marketing research that must be had for publication for next month?’  Or an exercise given so that an assessment can be made, for example ‘Mary, from the appraisal reports make a listing of those employees who can be highlighted for the next quarter.’

 When there are challenges for promotion, the need for an increase in salary, expansion or reduction in the workforce, the feed back that management give should be one of respect while the approach to these issues should be with the use of relevant documentations.  Meetings with the employees outlining the facts will assure them that their interest is taken into consideration. Management will also have a chance to solicit responses from them and in an environment of dialogue both parties can make rationale compromises.  This will result in, in two ways; firstly, the boosting of their confidence level, they will feel that they are seen as important persons who have a say in their destiny; secondly, they will feel that their welfare are looked at with some measure of urgency and in a scientific manner(documentation)  so there is no need to resort to industrial actions.

 Feedback encourages teamwork.  Take for example an accident at the workplace due to a faulty piece of equipment. The companies who can have the human resource manager speak to the situation, taking on responsible actions and making the relevant arrangement for compensation will gain the workers loyalty so that a lawsuit is not pursued.  Once ongoing feedback is provided by players of the establishment; the company's reputation is kept in tact and thousand of dollars is saved.

 Honesty results from ongoing feedback. Employees who have grouses will become active participants in the meetings when they know that they will be given a listening ear and the particular challenge will be examined with a view of making some kind of changes on an on going basis especially  if they have been experiencing it.  They will not see themselves as a piece of the machinery rather they will see themselves as productive human being in a caring institution contributing to its advancement.  

 The employees who are given consistent feedback will thrive to contribute to maintain the culture of the organization, become very productive and creative. The management team on the other hand will be perceive as transparent in their dealings since they the employees feel that their welfare is given due consideration.

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