20 Characteristics That Make You Become a Better Employer
20 Characteristics That Make You Become a Better Employer
Becoming a better employer isn’t just about offering a competitive salary or benefits package it’s about how you make your employees feel.
Think about it! If you’ve ever worked for someone who truly cared about your well-being, you likely felt more motivated, engaged, and loyal.
Conversely, if you’ve worked for a disconnected or dismissive boss, the environment may have left you feeling stressed or undervalued.
Being a great employer starts with understanding that you are leading a business and building relationships with the people who help you run it.
I’ve learned over time that the best employers see their employees as partners in the journey toward success.
It’s about balance, empathy, and fairness. But, of course, no one becomes an extraordinary employer overnight it’s a learning process filled with growth and introspection.
Here are some key characteristics that will help you stand out as an employer and foster a workplace where your team thrives.
1. Empathy
Workplace Empathy
Understanding your employees’ challenges and emotions allows you to build stronger relationships.
This doesn’t just mean listening when they voice their concerns—it involves actively seeking to understand their experiences, whether they’re going through a tough time or struggling with work-life balance.
When you show empathy, your employees are more likely to feel supported and less stressed, which in turn boosts productivity and loyalty.
You can demonstrate empathy by checking in on them regularly, offering flexible work arrangements, or simply showing a genuine interest in their well-being.
I remember when one of my employees started showing up late to work consistently, which was unusual for them.
Instead of immediately reprimanding them, I decided to pull them aside for a private conversation.
Turns out, they were dealing with a sick parent and struggling to balance caregiving duties with their work schedule.
After hearing about their situation, I offered them flexible hours to accommodate their personal life.
Not only did their performance improve, but their gratitude and loyalty to the company also deepened.
That experience taught me how powerful empathy can be in creating a more supportive and motivated team.
2. Transparency
Being transparent with your employees builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any healthy working relationship.
A key aspect of achieving this transparency is learning how to build self-confidence as a leader. Confident leaders are more likely to communicate openly and effectively, creating an atmosphere of trust.
When you openly share information about the company’s goals, financial health, or any upcoming changes, employees feel more secure.
Whether it’s good news or bad, employees deserve to know what’s going on.
Regular town hall meetings, open-door policies, and clear communication about the company’s trajectory can all foster a transparent environment.
Transparency also extends to performance expectations—be clear about what you expect from your team and how their success will be measured.
3. Fairness
Employees will always compare how they are treated to others, which highlights the importance of respect for others in maintaining a harmonious workplace.
If one employee feels like they are being treated unfairly in comparison to their peers, it can lead to resentment and disengagement.
As an employer, you need to ensure that opportunities for promotion, raises, and recognition are based on merit, not favoritism.
Fairness also means having a consistent approach to conflict resolution and disciplinary actions.
Set clear policies, and make sure you’re applying them equally across the board.
4. Active Listening
Great employers don’t just hear their employees—they listen actively.
Active listening involves giving full attention to the person speaking, asking clarifying questions, and responding thoughtfully.
It’s not about jumping to conclusions or offering solutions immediately; sometimes, employees just need to feel heard.
Create an environment where employees feel comfortable bringing their thoughts, concerns, and ideas to you, knowing they won’t be dismissed.
By actively listening, you build trust and show that you value their contributions.
5. Flexibility
Offering flexibility in how and when work is completed can go a long way in showing that you care about your employees’ personal lives.
Flexibility could mean allowing remote work, offering flexible start and end times, or even providing time off for personal matters without penalizing the employee.
When you’re flexible, your employees are more likely to stay motivated and committed because they don’t feel trapped by rigid working conditions.
This approach acknowledges that life outside of work matters and that your employees are human beings with responsibilities outside the office.
6. Lead by Example
Lead by Example
As the saying goes, “Actions speak louder than words.”
If you expect punctuality, dedication, and professionalism from your employees, you need to demonstrate those qualities yourself.
One great way to set the tone is by embracing the benefits of waking up early.
Starting your day ahead of time allows you to be more organized, energized, and ready to lead by example.
Your behavior sets the standard for the company culture. If you’re constantly late to meetings, your team may follow suit.
But if you show up prepared, treat others with respect, and handle stress with grace, you’ll inspire your employees to do the same.
Leading by example also means being willing to roll up your sleeves and do the hard work alongside your team when necessary.
7. Recognition
Recognition
Everyone wants to feel appreciated for their hard work.
Regularly recognizing your employees for their contributions can make a significant impact on their morale and motivation.
Whether it’s a simple “thank you” after a job well done, a shoutout in a team meeting, or a more formal reward system like employee of the month, recognition is key.
But it’s not just about praising the obvious successes try to notice the small efforts too.
Consistently showing appreciation helps create a workplace culture where everyone is encouraged to grow, allowing employees to find ways to be a better version of themselves every day.
Recognizing employees consistently shows that you are paying attention and value their efforts, which can lead to higher job satisfaction.
8. Accountability
Holding yourself and your employees accountable is crucial for maintaining a productive and fair work environment.
Accountability means that everyone, including you, takes responsibility for their actions.
If mistakes are made, it’s important to acknowledge them and take steps to improve.
As an employer, setting clear expectations and holding your team accountable to meet them fosters a culture of integrity.
But it’s equally important to be accountable yourself.
When you make a mistake or overlook something, own it and show your employees that no one is above accountability.
9. Patience
Not all employees will catch on to tasks immediately, and not every project will go according to plan.
That’s where patience comes into play.
Being patient allows you to offer guidance, mentorship, and support without getting frustrated or overwhelmed.
When you demonstrate patience, your employees will feel more comfortable coming to you for help or admitting when they’re struggling.
This characteristic fosters a more relaxed and supportive workplace, where employees can learn and grow without the fear of harsh reprimands.
10. Adaptability
Adaptability
The business world is constantly changing, and as an employer, it’s essential to be adaptable.
Whether it’s adjusting to new technologies, evolving customer demands, or navigating through economic challenges, being able to pivot when necessary is a valuable trait.
By showing that you can handle change with resilience, you encourage your employees to do the same.
Adaptability also means being open to new ideas and approaches, allowing your team to innovate and experiment without fear of rejection.
11. Emotional Intelligence
Understanding and managing your own emotions, as well as recognizing the emotions of others, is critical to being a better employer.
Part of this involves learning how to stop getting distracted by thoughts that can cloud your judgment and interfere with your emotional awareness.
Emotional intelligence (EQ) allows you to navigate interpersonal dynamics more effectively and to handle conflicts with empathy and tact.
By developing your EQ, you’ll be better equipped to manage stress, lead with compassion, and create a more harmonious work environment.
High-EQ employers can diffuse tension, resolve conflicts, and inspire their teams to work cohesively.
12. Supportive Leadership
Supportive employers go beyond just providing the resources needed to get the job done—they offer emotional and professional support.
This might mean offering guidance during a tough project, providing career development opportunities, or simply being there to listen when an employee is having a hard time.
Employees who feel supported are more likely to remain loyal to the company and to perform at a high level.
By being approachable and available, you show that you’re invested in their success.
13. Integrity
Integrity is about doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
Employers with integrity are honest, fair, and consistent in their actions and decisions.
This characteristic builds trust with your team, as they know they can count on you to make ethical choices.
Whether it’s handling financial decisions, managing client relationships, or dealing with employee issues, acting with integrity should always be at the forefront of your leadership style.
14. Humility
Being a leader doesn’t mean you have all the answers.
Great employers acknowledge that they don’t know everything and are willing to learn from their employees.
Humility helps you stay open to feedback, accept constructive criticism, and collaborate more effectively with your team.
It also shows that you’re approachable and willing to admit when you’re wrong.
This trait builds respect among your employees, as they see that you are open to growing and improving alongside them.
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15. Problem-Solving Skills
Problems will always arise in the workplace, but a great employer knows how to handle them calmly and effectively.
Encouraging your team to develop problem-solving skills is crucial for workplace success, much like the health benefits of reading books, which can sharpen the mind and enhance critical thinking.
Problem-solving skills involve identifying the issue, considering possible solutions, and making a well-thought-out decision.
By modeling good problem-solving behavior, you set the standard for your employees to do the same.
Encourage your team to approach problems with a solutions-oriented mindset, and foster an environment where challenges are seen as opportunities for improvement rather than roadblocks.
16. Delegation
Delegation
A key trait of an effective employer is knowing when and how to delegate tasks.
Trying to do everything yourself can lead to burnout, and it sends the message that you don’t trust your team.
By delegating responsibilities, you empower your employees to take ownership of their work, develop new skills, and contribute more meaningfully to the company.
Delegation also frees you up to focus on higher-level tasks, allowing the entire organization to run more efficiently.
17. Consistency
Consistency in your behavior, expectations, and decision-making is crucial for creating a stable work environment.
Employees need to know what to expect from you as a leader.
If your mood or management style fluctuates unpredictably, it can cause confusion and stress.
Being consistent in your actions builds trust and sets a solid foundation for your team to rely on.
It also ensures that policies are applied fairly, which reinforces a sense of fairness and equity within the workplace.
18. Mentorship
Taking the time to mentor your employees is one of the most valuable investments you can make, often mirroring a success habit adopted by exceptional people.
Mentorship involves offering guidance, sharing knowledge, and providing feedback that helps your team members grow professionally.
When you actively mentor your employees, you help them develop their skills, improve their performance, and advance their careers.
This not only benefits the individual but also strengthens the company as a whole, as you’re building a team of competent and motivated professionals.
19. Positivity
Positivity
A positive attitude can be contagious and is a key component of how to live a successful life.
As an employer, the energy you bring into the workplace has a direct impact on your team’s morale.
Staying optimistic during challenges, offering encouragement, and celebrating small wins can create a more uplifting environment.
While it’s important to acknowledge difficulties, maintaining a positive outlook helps keep your team motivated and focused on solutions rather than dwelling on problems.
20. Commitment to Growth
The best employers are always looking for ways to improve—not only for themselves but for their employees and the company as a whole.
This could mean investing in professional development opportunities for your team, seeking out feedback to improve your leadership, or staying informed about industry trends.
By learning how to add more value to yourself and your team, you demonstrate a commitment to both personal and collective growth.
A commitment to growth signals to your employees that you’re invested in their success and the company’s future.
It also fosters a culture of continuous improvement, where everyone is encouraged to learn and evolve.
Final Takeaways
Becoming a better employer is an ongoing journey, one that requires self-reflection, learning, and a genuine desire to see your employees thrive.
By embodying these characteristics, you’ll not only create a positive and productive work environment but also foster loyalty and engagement among your team.
Remember, being a great employer isn’t just about what you do for the business it’s about how you treat the people who help you run it.
Start with small changes, and over time, you’ll see the incredible impact it has on your organization and your employees.
