5 Ways To Treat Your Employee Like A Human Being (And Not Just Like A Human Resource)

Let’s go back to the basics. You can’t walk into a restaurant each time, treat the staff worse than a doormat and still expect a royal treatment. You may still get served out of professional courtesy or out of the fear of losing their jobs if they said something but chances are very high that someone will start spitting in your food. Now, this scenario may seem a tad exaggerated in the movies for entertainment purposes, but the reality is that even in this day and age, there are employers who treat their staff in a very inhumane manner which is no laughing matter.

Granted, they may feel under pressure running a growing business and having to cater for the needs of a large workforce, both professionally and personally. But just as much as they feel the pressure, so do the employees. There are ways that can help alleviate some of that pressure on both parties and it starts by treating each other like family, which will not only open up lines of communication, it will improve employee loyalty and productivity, which is vital for the growth of the business.

How do you treat your employees as human beings rather than a human resource?

1. Recognize each employee’s brand

   Okay what does that mean? We, as professionals, all promote our own brand. Whether we are data nerds, or HR enthusiasts or financial big wigs, we all promote our own brand. It often subconsciously want people to recognize these strengths in us, so we play them up. We promote these qualities which we think distinguish us and our brand. It’s important that we recognize each employee’s individual qualities, not only on what they are employed to do but also other aspects of themselves that could potentially add value to the company such as athletics, music or art.

2. Praise in Public / Correct in Private

   Find better channels for acknowledging and correcting their mistakes. Rebuking them or humiliating them in front of their co-workers will only create strife, resentment and in many instances, they end up being a target of bullying. Make sure to teach them in private, this keeps their pride from being hurt, while still taking a moment to make a lesson out of a mistake.

3. Show Genuine Concern For Their Well Being

   Showing genuine concern for an employee’s well-being is a sure way for them to believe and trust that they are a valued member of the team. Open up communication platforms to address any concerns during bad times and during good times, celebrate as a team. Empathy goes a long way with employees and with people in general

4. Recharge Together 

   Set aside some R&R time out of work to spend with your team and recharge. This helps you reconnect with them and it is also a great morale booster. You can use this time to find out what’s really going on in their personal lives, maybe offer some assistance if needed or simply be a part of an important event in their life all the while respecting boundaries.

5. A Team That Eats Together Stays Together

   As an employer, you may be expected to keep a respectable distance between you and your employees. But it is important to break the monotony occasionally and maybe have lunch with them. They may be a bit wary in your presence so abstain from work-related discussions – the briefcase at the door. Whether it be in the office break room over a Lean Cuisine or out at the local Mexican restaurant for a buritto, eat with them. Keep the conversation light with fun relatable topics.

Here’s the ultimate trick. In order to make your employees feel like a human being (and not just a human resource) they must see you as a human being.

Be interested, relatable and genuine… you can’t fake this stuff, they will see right through it. But once you make that connection with your employee they will be forever reminded that they are valued as individuals for who they are, not just what they do.