Employee Empowerment

What is Employee Empowerment?

Employee empowerment is about allowing the employee the autonomy to flourish with the supervisor’s
guidance. Mistakes are viewed as lessons learned, and risk-taking is seen as a chance to grow. When
implemented the right way, employee empowerment helps workers feel more comfortable developing
as professionals in the company.

Thirteen (13) Techniques for Empowering Employees

1. Demonstrate your trust.

The best way to gain employee loyalty is by showing staff that they have your trust. Clarify the ends
instead of the means, and let your staff go about projects in their own way. They might not accomplish
everything exactly as you would have, but they will get the job done with their own flair.

2. Communicate a clear vision.

As a leader, it's your job to get everyone on the same page. People who don't know what they're
supposed to be doing won't be able to accomplish their jobs very well at all. Clearly define the roles of
your staff so they know their duties and don't step on each other's toes.

3. Don't avoid small talk.

Make it a habit to sit down with your employees and engage in one-on-one conversations. You can have
these talks in your office, in the break room or at a coffee shop down the street. Intentionally ask about
their work progress, such as accomplishments or even complaints, but also make an effort to get to
know your staff on a personal level.

Ask what's going on with their families, or lives in general, to show that you care about them as human
beings. This will lead to a friendlier and more productive office environment. It will also help you grow as
a leader. Two-thirds of people agree that their boss had some kind of impact on their career – make sure
yours is a positive one.

4. Encourage self-improvement.

When your employees learn new skills, it improves the company as a whole. Some companies even
support continued education or classes outside of the workplace that enhance personal growth. If you
can't lend your employees financial support for their development, at least be flexible with their
schedules to a certain degree. Allowing your salesperson or HR representative to leave half an hour early
every Thursday for community orchestra practice can do wonders for their well-being and work ethic.

5. Leave your office door open.

Let your employees know that their opinions are valued. A simple gesture such as leaving your office
door open can do wonders to communicate this. An open-door policy shows employees that you care
what they think while enabling them to give their input and play an active role in your company.

6. Support vacation time.

This might seem counterintuitive, but you'll get a lot more out of your employees if you work to keep
them from burning out. Learn to spot the symptoms of burnout, and avoid employees getting anywhere
close by actively supporting vacation time. Employees will actually be more productive and better at
their jobs if they are well rested and rejuvenated.

7. Delegate more than just work.

As a manager, you'll inevitably have to delegate work. Ask a staff member to lead an important meeting,
even if it's just while you step out to take a phone call. Share the projects that people and customers
notice. This will show employees that they have a real effect on the business. [Read related article:
Building an Employee-Centric Environment to Boost Morale and Productivity]

8. Learn flexibility.

Be flexible with your employees as things come up. Trying a schedule that allows a parent to drop their
kids off at school in the morning. As a bonus, they'll be able to avoid rush-hour traffic and put in even
more work. Also allowing an employee to work from home to take care of a sick parent or child if the job
allows. If long WFH periods don't work for the company, experiment with one WFH day a week or a
couple each month.

9. Inspire creative thinking.

Just because you have been doing a task one way for your entire career does not mean that's the best
way to accomplish it. There are always problems to be solved and better ways to do things, so use the
minds around you and encourage your employees to share creative business solutions. Not only will
putting the challenge in the hands of your employees save you some headache, but it’s also likely that
you’ll come out with a better end result. They do say that two heads are better than one.

10. Show you appreciate their efforts.

Employees are paid to show up every day, but it's always helpful to receive some encouragement.
Whether it's a sales call that was handled exceptionally well or a report that was put together flawlessly,
let your employees know when they are doing a good job. This will ensure continued high-quality work
in the future, and they will feel more job satisfaction.

11. Listen to their concerns.

You should not only encourage open feedback and ideas from employees, but also be there to listen to
any issues or concerns they have. This will help them feel heard and supported.

12. Practice forgiveness for their mistakes.

If you get angry every time an employee makes a mistake, they will continue to play it safe. The purpose
of employee empowerment is allowing them to feel confident and courageous enough to take risks and
make their own decisions.
13. Play to their strengths.

Understand each employee's strengths and weaknesses so you can empower them in the ways that
work best for them and your company. For instance, if one of your workers is a great public speaker,
have them lead the next meeting. If another employee prefers to work behind the scenes, let them
write the next newsletter.

Benefits of Employee Empowering

There are many reasons to practice employee empowerment as a manager. Not only will it help your
individual employees feel more confident in their positions, it will also help your business perform better
as a whole.

Here are some specific benefits of empowering your employees:

1. It holds employees accountable. When you allow employees to make their own decisions and take
risks in the workplace, you are essentially investing in them. Your trust will hold them accountable for
their actions, motivating them to work harder and smarter.

2. It increases employee retention. Employees who feel appreciated and supported are more likely to be
loyal to the company.

3. It sparks job satisfaction. When an employee is free to take risks and perform at their own pace and to
their own standards, they tend to be more satisfied. Employee satisfaction translates to a positive work
culture.

4. It improves customer service. When handling customers, employees often pause to check in with
their managers on how to go about a specific request or resolve an issue. By empowering your
employees to get the job done without waiting for your approval, you set your company up for better
customer service.

5. It allows individual growth. Empowered employees feel more confident and inspired to grow, which
benefits not only their careers but also your company.