A Caring Workplace

People are social beings. Human connection is a basic need; therefore, relationships matter. Because people spend so much of their time at work, a caring workplace–an environment of understanding, community, and support can nurture positive relationships.

This social aspect of work is vital to building a workplace where employees are engaged. Providing a workplace that offers caring, encouragement, and support can be highly engaging. When employees know that their managers and leaders believe they will do good work, the energy to accomplish the work flows.

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A caring workplace is one where leaders genuinely care about employees, managers/supervisors care about workers, and workers have friends at work.

In a caring workplace, senior leaders care about employees.

Engagement flows from the top downward. When senior leaders are visible and show empathy and appreciation, employees are more engaged. The emotional connection between employees and the company leader impacts how employees feel about the company and their job.

In a caring workplace, supervisors care about their employees.

When managers/supervisors have a sincere interest in the well being of others, they take the time to know each employee they manage as a total person—knowing their health, family, and financial stability; their talents, interests, and aspirations; how they work best and learn best; and what inspires them. Managers must figure out what each employee does best and find ways for them to shine. This genuine caring and support results in positive attitudes and behaviors, and employees have a greater desire to give back to the organization. Likewise, when employees know their managers/supervisors as individuals, it promotes employee engagement. Managers play a vital role in promoting engagement in their direct reports.

In a caring workplace, employees get support.

Support is a vital driver of employee engagement. Managers must remove obstacles to optimize employee performance. They must provide the support needed to do one’s job right. Providing support makes an employee available to do the work. When employees have the resources to do their jobs right, they are available to be engaged.