Photo courtesy of Microsoft.com
In my many years in the workforce, I have witnessed respect and disrespect between employers and employees. One position that particularly stands out in my mind is when I worked for a homeowner's association management company. It was a very small business, with the husband-and-wife co-owners and general managers, two property managers, and the bookkeeper (which was me). The owners strongly believed that since they owned the business, it gave them the right to treat their employees however they wish. Needless to say, in the two years that I was employed by them, there were numerous turnovers (which included my voluntary resignation) and a very hostile work environment. The business was sold to another management company not long after my resignation.
What kind of a message is sent when an employee goes to great pains to ensure that their work is done correctly, only to be harshly criticized by their superiors? Possibly ingratitude, negative reinforcement, and hindering productivity. Employers need to not only understand how much productivity is generated by their employees, but also to show appreciation, and above all else, respect. Granted, there are some employers who truly believe that coming down hard on their employees will improve morale and increase productivity. There have been many articles and studies published which prove that abrasiveness has the opposite effect. In the end, businesses suffer and end up closing.
Respect goes a long way in establishing good relationships between employers and their employees.
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