5 ways … to make people feel heard in the workplace
Ask most organisations what they want most of all from their people and they will say employees who enjoy coming to work, are happy and keep motivated.
This results in a team that is focussed, engaged, loyal and above all else – productive.
Yet how do organisations achieve this?
A recent global study of over 4,000 employees, conducted by The Workforce Institute at UKG and Workplace Intelligence revealed that:
- Highly engaged employees are three times more likely to say they feel heard at their workplace (92%) than highly disengaged employees (just 30%).
- 74% of employees report they are more effective at their job when they feel heard.
So, it is clear that feeling that you are really listened to at work can have a huge impact on all aspects of employee morale. On International Happiness at Work Week, AFG LAW give advice on how to achieve this magic formula, particularly in one-to-one situations.
Set the tone
“I’m always available for a chat if you want me”
“You just need to say if you want to talk”.
You’ve probably said this – or been on the receiving end of it – many, many times. Yet – what does it actually mean? The sentiment is there – but often that’s all it is. This is where Active Listening comes in to play – a communication skill that involves going beyond simply hearing the words that another person speaks. It’s about actively processing and seeking to understand the meaning and intent behind them. It requires being a mindful and focused participant in the communication process.
When a colleague needs that chat, make the time for them to do so, in a quiet and safe space and let them just talk, while you listen.
Pay attention
It might sound obvious – but many of us don’t REALLY pay attention when listening to someone. Our mind can wander and common mistakes that people make include:
- Interrupting
- Passing comment – agreeing or disagreeing with what they say
- Second guessing what they are about to say – even finishing their sentences for them
- Jumping in and relate it to things that have happened in their own lives
All of these things are often meant with the best intentions – but can have the opposite effect. Set a challenge and see if you can listen for 5 minutes without saying a word. This will give your colleague the opportunity to really think about what they want to say and how to get it across – you’ll be surprised at the results.
Withold judgement
A key factor that will really help your colleague to feel heard is withholding any judgement during your conversations. This means – quite literally – passing no judgement or opinion on the person or the situation they are discussing and remaining totally neutral. This also means keeping an open mind, be open to new ideas and perspectives. Above all – avoid any confrontation.
Clarify and confirm
Demonstrate that you have really heard what your colleague is saying by reiterating back to them what you have heard – and if anything appears ambiguous, clarifying key points. This can mean:
- Clarifying a person’s meaning, feelings, intentions, perspective, and values.
- Clarifying someone’s thoughts on a particular topic.
This can be done through the use of key phrases such like:
“Just let me see if I’m clear”, “let’s circle back a minute – I am not sure I fully grasp this”.
Follow through
After any conversation has taken place, ensure that you follow through on any actions required. It can be hugely detrimental for a person to be given the opportunity to speak, to really feel that they have been heard – and then that nothing happens after the meeting.
You can avoid this by?
- Summarizing and clarifying your findings – Summarise what you have understood and – here’s the important bit – ask the other person to do the same.
- Providing any support and resources required including signposting
- Setting deadlines if appropriate
- Regularly checking in
- Holding the team member accountable
The research is clear – a huge part of our happiness at work is largely dependent upon feeling listened to – and authentically heard.
Adopting the tactics set out here will improve recruitment, satisfaction and retention of talent – so it makes sense to start today.
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AFG LAW offer a full range of legal services for individuals and businesses alike.
Many of our services are provided UK-wide, with our physical offices located in Bolton, Bury and Stockport.
Our team are key in our mission to offer outstanding legal services, utilising their wealth of expertise and knowledge to advocate for our clients and simplify the process, cut the jargon and achieve the best possible outcomes.
Get in touch with our team today on 01204 377600.