One of the biggest factors that job seekers look into as they search for a job is the boss. A work environment wouldn’t be totally good if the employees don’t like how the boss manages them and their work. At the same time, they wouldn’t be able to maximize their capabilities if the boss, in a way, intentionally or unintentionally limits them and their work.
The employees’ perspectives and relationship toward their boss have a lot to do with employee performance, retention, absenteeism, and tardiness. You’ll hear some employees who complain to their co-workers about their boss, and surely, you don’t want to be that boss who’s the talk of the town! You have to know if you’re managing the right way! You have to find out if you’re the boss that everyone loves, and if not, man that’s quite bad. Do something!
Here are 5 things which make their employees hate their boss, and below them are the ways to improve in those areas. Check them out to see if you’ve gotten any of these and to avoid them if you haven’t!
1 - The Add-ons and The Sudden’s
Employees don’t really like it when they’re given a lot of additional and sudden work. I mean A LOT of ADDITIONAL and SUDDEN work. This doesn’t mean that your employees can just stubbornly complain about the tasks you give them. Here, I’m talking about: One, additional and sudden work before the employee leaves the office. It’s that moment when the employees finished all his/her deadlines and endeavors for the day, packed all his/her things up, ready to leave for home. The only thing left for him/her to do is to stand up, open the door and leave, but YOU… just ruin the exciting feeling of having a peaceful family dinner by stopping him/her to add some work due tomorrow morning. Two, additional work for the weekends. Your employees are reasonable if they hate you because of this if your office doesn’t operate during weekends. Weekends are precious for working people since it isn’t easy to take a vacation leave, that’s why you can’t blame the employee if you see his/her face turn gloomy after you give a task to be fulfilled over the weekends.
How to improve it: Look at all the perspectives situations. If you’ve already seen that there’s a need for an employee to get additional work before leaving for home or for the weekend, inform them AHEAD OF TIME that there’s a possibility that they’d be given more tasks. In that way, they won’t be startled and caught off guard. Another proper way to do it is to ask if they can and are able to get the task. Talk it out, and eye on potential backup plans. Know how timing works, and respect your employees’ time.
2 - Poor Communication, Poor Coaching
Employees don’t like additional and sudden work, but that doesn’t mean they’re lazy and unproductive. Another truth is they don’t like poor communication with you because that results in awkward and shy feeling, which moreover leads to not being able to ask questions and express ideas. Poor communication also reflects poor coaching and mentoring. Employees don’t like very strict bosses who dictate every move they make, but they like bosses who closely reach out to them, coach and support them directly and give constructive criticisms.
How to improve it: They love if you give them clear directions, so they won’t get lost. They feel amazing and motivated if they feel that you’re really helping them to succeed. It’s really great if they feel like you’re a parent to them than a plain employer. A coach like a parent does it with love and concern.
3 - Lack of Appreciation
Some say that if you love what you’re doing, you don’t really ask for anything in return. That may be true, but of course, everyone needs some push and motivation to keep going with a smile. The world of work is not always fun and full of life even if you’re seeing your dreams come alive. Sometimes, you get drained and tired, and so as your employees. They also need an inspiration, and the least you can do is to recognize their accomplishments. Put yourself in their shoes; what a delightful feeling it would be if you get recognized for your stressful task! And what an “oh okay” feeling it would be if you get your payslip alone after your deadening task.
How to improve it: Spilling out some words of thanks won’t hurt. Be proud of them by sharing the good news to others! It would also be a kind deed to cheer them up and acknowledge their efforts and attempts after an “almost accomplished” and “try again” tasks. Doing that, you’d be able to energize them as they come near to their goal or to encourage them to do better next time.
4 - Unfulfilled Commitments
In and out of work, everyone hates broken promises and forgotten words. As the boss, your employees look up to you and trust your words. They feel bad if you promise to give them active support but you don’t. They always remember your words, especially the fragrant ones. It reflects your personality even if you unintentionally forget your commitments.
How to improve it: Mark your own words when you tell your employees to mark your words! Even the lunch treats you mentioned are saved in their memories, so make sure you recall and really give time. The most basic way to improve this is to not commit, not promise, not give assurance. It hurts everyone who hoped, and it somehow breaks your “trusted” image.
5 - Favorites
One of the unhealthiest things for employees is the boss’ favoritism. When you have a favorite employee, it shows, and you can’t hide it! Other employees may see it through the favors, the chances, the deadline extensions, the moods and the frequency of greeting or looking for someone. This doesn’t only annoy the non-faves but disheartens them too. Having a favorite employee affects how you treat and view everyone else. You may not be able to give chance to others or you may, but end up still favoring your favorite. When an employee tries really hard to get the best project proposal but remembers that you still always choose a specific someone whatever the occasion is, then he/she will just consider giving less or giving up.
How to improve it: Burn your list of favorites. That simple.
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As a boss, a manager, an employer and any other terms of it there is, your goal is not to get employees and gain clients and income through them. You must keep in mind that you’re just the superior, but you have to work WITH them. And working with them, your goal is to love them and to be loved back as well because work is better if it doesn’t feel like work but life -- life with love in it! Sounds cheesy, huh? But that’s the truth! Being the boss, don’t just consider your own perspective towards your employees but theirs to you too. In that way, you’ll be able to build a harmonious relationship with everyone. Of course, you want employees to love and not hate you even once! You don’t have to please them, but sometimes, you actually have to because it’s for everyone’s good and your company’s success too.
Latest posts by Nicole Ann Pore (see all)
- 5 Things That Make Employees Hate You And How to Improve So They Won’t! - May 24, 2018
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