Employee Empowerment Tools

A key style feature of modern management, employee empowerment is about managers sharing their powers with those they supervise. Empowering employees can help workers perform more effectively, enhance problem-solving skills and aid with decision-making. Empowerment takes employee participation a step further and allows workers to be more autonomous in regards to making decisions based on their expertise.

Employee Value

Employees who feel under-appreciated do not perform as well as those who feel valued. A manager can show regard for her employees through her actions, words, facial expressions and body language. Demonstrating appreciation for each employee's unique value can help encourage and empower them. A manager should demonstrate value and respect for the employee as a human being that never falters regardless of employee performance. Recognition goes a long way when it comes to successful employee empowerment.

Companies can also demonstrate employee value by giving workers the information necessary to make thoughtful decisions. This sets employees up for a more favorable outcome.

Shared Visions and Goals

When a company shares its leadership visions and goals with its employees, and the visions and goals are realistic, employees can feel like they are part of a task that is bigger than their individual roles in the company. Sharing strategic plans and the overall mission with employees can empower them and give them a sense of ownership and pride. Progress on company goals should be observable and measurable so employees feel empowered to make their contribution towards the overall goal without needing close supervision.

Trust

Trust is a tool where managers have faith that employees will do the right thing and make sound decisions that get the job done. This comes about by guiding employees by asking questions and allowing them to grow in knowledge and skills. It is also a tool that develops after employees have clear expectations from their managers so they can focus their energy on accomplishing tasks and being productive. Consequently, trust as an employee empowerment tool helps reinforce employee contributions and accomplishments as it creates a space for open communication.

Delegation of Authority

Delegation of authority as an empowerment tool can help employees develop new skills and grow as professionals. Rather than just delegate tedious unwanted tasks, managers should involve employees in tasks that will impart opportunities, such as engaging in product development projects, leading meetings and participating on committees. Additionally, allow employees to help problem-solve when setbacks occur to see if an issue with the work system caused others to fail.

References

• MIT Sloan Management Review: Empowering Service Employees
• CSR Europe: TQM Tools for Employee Empowerment
• Adams Six Sigma: Employee Motivation and Employee Empowerment are Part of Employee Development
• Management Skills Advisor: Employee Empowerment