Strategies for Effective Listening So Your Employees Feel Heard

One of the most common reasons why employees feel dissatisfied with their employers is because they don’t feel heard. While they have ideas and concerns, either: (i) they don’t have a way to communicate their ideas and concerns within the organization; or, (ii) when they communicate, nothing happens.

While these are common issues within corporate organizations, they are also easily fixed—and this is one area in particular where small changes often make a big difference. But, consistency is key, and organizations may need to adopt new policies and practices to ensure that their employees feel heard on an ongoing basis.

5 Ways Organizations Can Make Sure Their Employees Feel Heard

What can you do to make sure your organization’s employees feel heard? While a custom-tailored approach is key, here are five common strategies:

1. Provide Structured Opportunities for Employees to Raise Concerns and Provide Feedback

Providing structured opportunities for employees to raise concerns and provide feedback can help them feel heard. Too often, employees simply don’t know whether they can (or should) speak up. By establishing clear communication channels and scheduling regular feedback meetings between employees and their managers, organizations can often vastly improve employee engagement and overall employee satisfaction.  

2. Actively Encourage Participation at Meetings, Town Halls, and Other Events

While organizational leaders might assume that employees know they can speak up at meetings, town halls, and other events, employees might assume that their input isn’t wanted unless it is specifically requested. As a result, even simple steps like actively encouraging participation at the start of meetings and other events can often have a major impact.

3. Provide Training on Active Listening Techniques

Providing training on active listening techniques to managers and supervisors can also go a long way toward helping employees feel heard. If employees feel ignored when they attempt to share ideas or raise concerns, this can discourage them from attempting to do so again in the future.

4. Encourage Managers and Supervisors to Take Suggestions and Concerns Seriously

Along with providing training on active listening techniques, organizations can also help their employees feel heard by encouraging their managers and supervisors to take suggestions and concerns seriously. Sharing good ideas with leadership, investigating complaints and concerns as warranted, and following up with employees after the fact are all simple ways that organizations can show appreciation for their employees’ willingness to come forward.

5. Do More than Just Listen

Finally, one of the most effective ways that organizations can make their employees feel heard is by doing more than just listening. When an employee’s idea or concern warrants action, take it. This will show that the organization is listening, and this is what will make employees feel like their thoughts and concerns matter.

Contact AR Group to Learn More

If you would like to learn about more strategies for helping your organization’s employees feel heard, we invite you to get in touch. Please call 720-452-3300 or contact us online to schedule an appointment at AR Group.