When it comes to business, many managers are inclined to always “think big”, though often successful management is the result of actually thinking small. This idea of thinking small typically refers to the relationship that management has with their team on a daily basis. Employee engagement is often reliant on the behaviours of direct managers and these interactions can significantly affect the morale of the workforce. The attitude of all levels within a business are vital to an organisations success, so it’s important to do the small things that are often forgotten in order to keep employees happy.

Repeatedly, manager/employee relationships top the majority of employee surveys when asked what staff find the most significant factor in employee engagement.

According to Forbes.com, these are five often neglected behaviours that all direct managers can do to improve their relationship with their employees.

• Fast Communication – Many employees find it frustrating when their managers take a while to reply to messages, or worse, never respond. A simple acknowledgement can go a long way.
• Punctuality – Simply being on time for meetings can prove to employees that their time is important.
• Acknowledgement – Frequently the small gesture of saying ‘thank you’ can mean a lot to an employee.
• Take Interest – A manager showing that they’re interested in their employees is regularly appreciated. Taking the time to find out small facts about team members can have a positive effect.
• Be There – If a manager is not available for his or her employees, then they cannot manage effectively. Time needs to be made to answer any queries and problems that may arise.

In our experience the relationship between staff and management makes a key difference to employee engagement, as we all can appreciate, a happy, engaged and productive workforce is vital for a successful forward thinking business to compete in today’s challenging marketplace.