The Employer- Employee Relationships Defined.
When an employer hires a new employee, he is not just
bringing a new member of the workforce aboard, he is also starting a new
relationship. Because employers and employees often work in close quarters,
they necessarily develop relationships. Managing these relationships is vital
to business success, as strong relationships can lead to greater employee
happiness and even increased productivity. To reap these benefits, keep the
dynamics of your employer-employee relationship in mind.
Relationship Basics
Generally, employer and employee relationships should be mutually
respectful. The degree of closeness in these relationships will depend on both
the employer and the employee. Some employers opt to keep their employees at a
distance and, in doing so, ensure that there is no confusion as to the
hierarchy that exists between them. Others elect to become friendlier with
their employees, seeing this as a way to amp up employee happiness. While neither
option is entirely right or wrong, it is wise to avoid getting too close to
employees, as doing so can cause the line between employer and employee to
become blurred.
Mutual
Reliance
The employer-employee relationship should be one of mutual
reliance. The employer is relying upon the employee to perform her job and, in
doing so, keep the business running smoothly. Conversely, the employee is
relying upon the employer to pay her and enable her to support herself, and
potentially her family, financially.
Relationship Building
Just as with all relationships, the employer and employee
relationship is one that must develop over time. Employers can promote the
building of relationships by speaking candidly with their employees about their
lives, asking them about their families and learning about their interests.
Similarly, employees can promote the building of this relationship by being
open with their employer and sharing information about themselves and their
lives.
Boundaries
Though the type of employee and employer relationship that
is considered appropriate varies from company to company, boundaries exist at
almost all companies. Generally, it is unwise for employers to develop romantic
relationships with their employees. Similarly, employers should exercise care
to ensure that the relationship they develop with one employee isn't notably
closer than the relationships they develop with others, as this can lead to
concerns regarding favoritism or similar issues of unfairness within the
workplace.
Via: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/
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