Employees are often angry and fed up. They are demotivated, and all the positive energy at work has been lost. What is the reason for this? In many cases, the trigger can be a ritual or a beloved habit that was simply "prescribed" without personal communication. For example: the smoking ban on the company premises, or the coffee break. There are numerous examples, and these regulations have a significant impact on the company climate. People generally have no problem changing or completely stopping habits and rituals as long as they come with a meaningful justification. Many of these small rituals contribute significantly to a positive work environment - often more than one might think.
No Longer Interested
Frustration among employees arises when there are no understandable arguments for the abolition of habits and internal company traditions or rituals. Often, this is related to the fact that employees had no say in the decision and any proposed solutions were not listened to. Such an approach by management causes unrest, and employees feel unappreciated. Including the opinions and ideas of employees in such change processes helps to promote the work environment and productivity of employees.
Prescribed Measures
Measures simply prescribed by executives indicate a self-righteous rather than a democratic leadership style. A cooperative leadership style, characterized by good communication between executives and employees, has many benefits for the company. For executives, it is highly desirable to establish a healthy approach and communication climate with employees. When the productivity of employees declines and turnover increases, this indicates a high level of dissatisfaction among employees. Frustration can already be observed in the daily business life.
Farewell
Undoubtedly, there are habits and rituals that, in the long run, are not beneficial to the company and deserve to be abolished. Letting go must be done consciously because for many employees, long-held habits and rituals are part of their identity. Employees feel that something is missing, something that has given them a positive feeling. This change can lead to a restless and dissatisfied work environment. It is important that this process involves employees and gives them the opportunity to process it. Employees who are not interested in their work are not conducive, so my suggestion is:
- Involve employees in the decision-making process
- Explain changes meaningfully and understandably
- Accompany the abolition of habits with a farewell
Think about the emptiness and dissatisfaction you would feel if important people in your close circle suddenly disappeared without explanation and without a farewell. How would you feel?
