JBM Consulting
JBM Consulting

Greetings!

 

This is Strategy 6 of the series of Eleven HR strategies for 2011- Enhance transparency in support of ethics (HR Magazine;1/2011; RGrossman)

Allowing employees to use a public forum to express their issues or concerns anonymously to ensure all leaders know the feelings of the staff is important to employees.  Something like a blog to your intranet is one recommendation. Offering the option of an ombudsman type person that is neutral and tuned into employee relations...a function I serve in for many clients. 

 Such an ability to express concerns about policies or other actions taken at an organization allow all to consider the interpretations and respond to them.  It reduces the frustrations of employees by ability to be heard and then recieving the satisfaction of a response from a leader.  It is beneficial to leadership because they can easily see how a management change or practice has been perceived or whether it will be effective.  They can respond to issues that are lurking.  They can move to keep employee morale up while creating a trusting, respectful environment.

 

It is important however, that those that utilize such "public" forums are careful as to how they address their concerns.  Should you move in this direction, remind them of the etiquette rules of such communication...not WHAT you say but HOW you say it!

 

In order to ensure effectiveness of this method of communication, it is imperative that items are responded to in a timely manner.

 

Leadership has much to gain by allowing this form of employee feedback!

By keeping up on the "pulse" of your organization you have much to gain.  You will recieve valuable input, you will be able to respond to rumors of discontentment.  You will improve communications, trust and respect among all.  AND you can avoid any potential lawsuits if there are complaints that would pose a threat!

As always,



Jeannine Brown Miller, MA, SPHR Principal Consultant
JBM Consulting

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