Managing people well doesn’t have to be hard work - it is good for your employees’ health and wellbeing and good for business - according to a new collaboration of employment experts.
Top tips for better management brings guidance and practical resources together from Acas, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Health and Safety Executive, and Affinity Health at Work - making it easier for managers to support their staff.
The new project provides links to further information and identifies a “five a day” programme to help managers improve their skills and the ‘health’ of their team:
1. How do you support your employees?
Do you regularly ask 'How are you?' Listen when your employees ask for help? Give people a chance to shine? Give them time to train so that they can do their job effectively? Are you sensitive to the pressures on employees both in and out of work?
2. Do you help your employees understand what they need to do?
Do you set them goals? Give feedback on performance? Provide regular opportunities to speak one to one? How else do you communicate with them?
3. When was the last time you asked employees for their views?
Do you involve employees in decision making? Encourage employees to come up with ideas? Act upon feedback received, or explain why you haven't if you don't? Work as a team?
4. How do you manage difficult situations?
Do you deal with problems quickly, fairly and consistently? Stop arguments escalating? Ask for help when you need it? How do you deal with sensitive issues?
5. Are you a good role model?
Do you treat people with consideration? Act calmly under pressure? Act with integrity? Lead by example?
Acas Chief Executive John Taylor said:
“There’s a lot of information out there for line managers so we’ve brought the best of it together into one place. This will make it much easier for managers to find the guidance they need to get the most out of their staff. By changing a few simple behaviours line managers can really get the best out of their people.”
CMI chief executive Ruth Spellman said:
“Our recent Future Forecast research highlights experiences from an unsurprisingly difficult 12 months. The good news though is indications are that green shoots of recovery are emerging, with many managers saying they are looking forward to new challenges in 2011.
“The quality of our managers will be vital to building the success of this country’s economy, and professional, qualified managers will be crucial if organisations are to survive the tough times and succeed next year.
“We know from our research that managers are looking for information on how to maintain motivation levels among their teams, in particular. The imperative now is to make sure that managers get the information they need, plus appropriate and useful resources so that they can get the best from their staff in the New Year. This new online resource should really help them cope with some of the challenges ahead.”
This resource was created in response to Dame Carol Black’s report on health in the workplace, which linked line manager behaviour to employee health.
