Employees know they’re being paid to be there, do their work, and make sure things are going well. However, they need more than pay. They need to feel they’re cared for by their leaders.
You can do something to make sure this happens. I’ve been in situations where I didn’t feel cared for as an employee. The lack of care didn’t make me a worse employee, but it did impact the way I felt about the person leading the company, my mental health, and more.
Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash
You can make a difference in your employees’ lives. It doesn’t take much but will do a lot for you and your employees.
What can you do to show you care? Try the following:
Be dependable:
You may think being dependable doesn’t matter. It does. A lot.
When you are dependable, your team knows they can count on you. You’re going to be there, do that, and all that jazz.
They will see you as someone they can know, like, and trust.
Be a dependable leader.
Be available:
Is your door closed all of the time? Do you shrug off employee issues?
Then you’re not available.
Available leaders show they care by being available to listen and care for their employees. You are available when you:
- Have an open door
- Have a listening ear
- Remember important details
Find ways to be available as a leader.
Be Interested:
Want to really show your employees you care? Then be interested. Learn about them.
You may ask about their child’s soccer game, favorite sport, or how their spouse is doing.
When you show interest in your employees, you show that you care. Find out what your employees like, love, and care about.
The more you show an interest in their interests, the more you show you care.
Be Conversational:
It’s easy to walk past an employee and not say a word. However, when you do this, you’re damaging your relationship with your employees.
They will wonder what they did wrong, if you’re angry, or maybe that you don’t care.
By stopping to have a conversation, even a one to two minute one, can mean the difference between feeling cared for and feeling neglected. Take the time to stop, say hi, and see how they’re doing.
You’d be surprised at just how far this will go in showing you care.
Be An Investor:
Great leaders who care are investors. What does that look like?
Leaders who invest will
- Invest their time in their employees
- Invest in their employees through training and personal development
- Invest financially through fair compensation
- Invest by showing up
Be a leader who invests in their employees. The more you invest, the more you’ll get in return.
What will you do today to show your employees that you care? Make a plan and take action today!
