When you think of a company, you immediately think of the CEO, or the highest paid individuals within the company. Very rarely does anyone think about the employees who are on the front line. Some would say the lower level employees are of less importance. Others would say it’s not that their unimportant, it’s just that their feedback doesn’t weigh as much as someone who holds a higher title such as a CEO or VP. Both answers are incorrect.
Employees are the backbone of the business. They are the first and last associates to assist a customer. They know the everyday routines and tasks that are completed to ensure the business continues to grow. They take the orders and mass produce results. However, when it’s time to discuss the direction of the company and how the people who work for the company feel about where its headed, it’s clear to see there is a certain level of uncertainty about the reason why the employees opinions matters.
Employee feedback is intended to shift behavior, improve it, or indicate the company should continue to do what they are doing without changes. Completing tasks and not providing feedback is a great way to fall short of accomplishing the task faster, and in a more efficient way the next time that very same task needs to be completed. Each time an employee receives a task, they need to complete it accurately and in a timely manner. When they are unable to do so, the Manager asks why and expects a valid reason. Explaining to the Manager what obstacles you had to overcome in order to complete the assignment, is a form of feedback. An efficient Manager would take this as an opportunity to probe the employee for ways they believe would help them improve the process of completing an assignment.
Employers are realizing now, more than ever, how important it is to have a strong work-life balance. There are several factors that tend to stress employees ranging from benefits and work hours, to the environment and resources need to complete their duties. The next time your employer asks for your feedback, take all of this into consideration. Be honest. Your employer can only improve in areas they are aware they’re lacking in. Your transparency will open doors for new conversations to be had, and allow room for the necessary changes to be made.
