How to Communicate Employee Expectations
High morale among employees goes hand in hand with high productivity. One way to keep morale high is to ensure that your staff has a realistic idea of what is expected. From the interview of a potential new hire to communication with a long-term employee, you must know how to communicate your company's expectations for job performance.
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Instructions
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Learn Tools to Communicate Expectations to Your Staff
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Start off right in your first interview with a potential employee. Incorporate a detailed description of the mental and physical demands, the expected schedule and the kind of work environment into the job interview process. You will also need to cover topics like job priorities and accountability in your interview.
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Provide this information in multiple formats once an employee enters the workplace. From the welcome packet and introductory meeting to the employee manual, you should reiterate what will be expected in clear language.
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Create an environment in which questions are welcomed. You should strive to create an atmosphere in which employees feel they can ask you for clarification on what is expected of them.
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Talk openly about what kind of job stress your employees may experience, and equip them with tools to deal effectively with this stress when it arises. Simple exercises, such as deep breathing, counting to 10 before reacting or recognizing when a "time out" from a given situation is necessary, can help your staff be more productive.
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Don't limit your communication regarding expectations to personnel assessment time. Take the time to discuss your expectations with your staff on a regular and frequent basis, outside of regularly scheduled reviews.
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Communicate clearly by staying on message when you meet with your staff. If you expect your employees to work additional hours or volunteer for off-site work, don't pull their focus by discussing details of an upcoming party or holiday event.
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Deliver your message in a format that makes sense for your company. This may be in the form of casual office meetings, emails or even formal company meetings.
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Improve your communication skills by adapting public speaking techniques to your company's message. Employees will respond to and incorporate your expectations better if you deliver them in a concise and engaging manner.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't expect your employees to grasp everything that is expected of them in one meeting. The communication process must be ongoing and open.
