Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Your Employees—Even When Time is Tight

In a recent article I wrote for McKnights LTC News, I threw in a question about considering how you could roll out the red carpet for your employees. There are so many ways you can do this. The simple answer is to start with the individual in mind. Understand what the individual needs and wants in an employment situation and help them achieve their goals and balance between family and work. 

On top of that, here are 10 other ways you can begin to create this experience. Keep in mind, you don’t have to implement everything at once. That is a surefire way to overwhelm your team and abandon the project. Take one at a time and do it really well. When you feel like you have mastered one of the suggestions below, then choose another to implement.

1. Empathetic Leadership

Empathy in leadership is about truly understanding and sharing the feelings of your employees. It goes beyond superficial gestures. Start by actively listening to your team. Create regular opportunities for one-on-one conversations where employees feel safe to express their concerns, ideas, and aspirations. Show that you value their input by acting on their feedback (where appropriate) and keeping them informed about the changes that come as a result.

2. Individualized Support

Recognize that each employee has unique personal and professional needs. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, tailor your support to fit each individual. This could mean offering flexible working hours to a single parent, providing additional training for someone eager to advance, or simply giving a day off to an employee who is going through a tough time.

3. Genuine Recognition

Go beyond generic praise and acknowledge the specific contributions of your employees. When recognizing their efforts, detail exactly what they did and how it positively impacted the team or residents. This shows that you notice their unique strengths and contributions, reinforcing their value to the organization.

4. Empower Through Trust

Empowering your employees means showing them that you trust their judgment and skills. Delegate meaningful tasks and give them the autonomy to make decisions. This not only boosts their confidence but also demonstrates your faith in their abilities. Trust is a powerful motivator and a cornerstone of loyalty.

5. Holistic Well-Being

Understand that your employees' well-being is not just about their professional life. Encourage a healthy work-life balance by respecting their time off and promoting wellness initiatives that cater to their mental, emotional, and physical health. Consider providing access to counseling services, wellness programs, and creating a supportive environment that acknowledges the importance of their overall well-being.

6. Shared Purpose

Cultivate a strong sense of purpose by connecting their daily tasks to the broader mission of the organization. When employees see how their work contributes to the greater good, it can be deeply motivating. Regularly communicate how their efforts are making a difference in the lives of the residents and the success of the organization.

7. Cultural Sensitivity

Be mindful of the diverse cultural backgrounds of your employees. Show respect and appreciation for their cultural traditions and practices. This can be as simple as acknowledging significant cultural holidays or providing a space for cultural expression within the workplace. Cultural sensitivity fosters an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued.

8. Personal Development

Invest in the personal and professional growth of your employees. Offer opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement. This could be through formal training programs, mentorship, or providing resources for self-directed learning. Show that you are committed to their long-term success, not just their immediate productivity.

9. Meaningful Connections

Foster a culture of meaningful connections within your team. Encourage collaboration and peer support through team-building activities that are not just fun but also deepen interpersonal relationships. Create opportunities for employees to share their stories, celebrate each other’s successes, and support one another through challenges.

10. Lead with Authenticity

Authentic leadership means being genuine, transparent, and consistent in your actions. Share your own experiences and challenges openly, showing that you are human too. This builds trust and rapport with your team. When employees see you leading with authenticity, they are more likely to reciprocate with loyalty and dedication.

Great leadership is not a sprint - it is a marathon. It ages like fine wine as long as you commit to continuous learning and experimenting with new things. Everything that happens along the way - good and bad - is a learning experience. Notice the lesson and use it to tweak the next attempt.

You can achieve all of this over time. You can speed up the process with a better outcome with some support. Contact me at [email protected] to explore what this could look like and get tangible results for your organization or company.