Both HR professionals and managers are well aware of the tendency for employees to complain. And, while neither group enjoys dealing with complaints, it can’t be avoided. Some of the complaints could be avoided, though, by being aware of the most common frustrations facing employees and taking steps to head them off before complaints begin.
1. Lack of Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance has always been a struggle for employees, but the importance of balance has become increasingly top-of-mind as many employees have had the opportunity to work remotely since the pandemic. Based on their experiences, employees today are more likely to demand work life balance. That’s a good thing. Imbalance can lead to burnout and reduced productivity. Take steps to be proactive in providing the balance employees crave.
2. Limited, or No, Access to Career Growth and Development Opportunities
LinkedIn’s 2023 Workplace Learning Report pointed to the value employees place on personal and professional development. Many will choose jobs, or leave jobs, based on the availability or lack of these opportunities.
3. Workplace Harassment and Discrimination
It should go without saying that harassment and discrimination should have no place in the workplace—or elsewhere. Sadly, though, these issues persist. Employers need to take steps to ensure that they are providing a safe and inclusive work environment, and to be proactive in addressing any problems that may exist.
4. Inadequate Compensation and Benefits
Adequate compensation and benefits are foundational to establishing a strong employee relationship. While money isn’t the only thing important to employees, it’s one of the important things. Ensuring competitive and equitable pay practices is an important must-do. Conducting market studies can help ensure external equity. Polling or surveying employees—and being open to that input—can help identify areas where your compensation and benefit packages may be lacking.
5. Poor Management and Leadership
Managers can make or break the employee relationship. Studies regularly show that employees don’t leave organizations, they leave their managers. Employee complaints related to management are often related to lack of support, poor communication, and not receiving enough guidance or direction from managers. All of these can lead to disengagement, lost productivity—and turnover.
6. Lack of Recognition and Feedback
Ignore your employees and they’ll go away! Employees need to know when they’re doing a good job—and even when they need to improve. When they fail to receive support and acknowledgement for their contributions employees feel undervalued and underappreciated. Engagement suffers. Productivity suffers. And, chances are, these employees will start to look for opportunities elsewhere.
Complaints are inevitable, but they shouldn’t be unanticipated. These are just some of the common complaints employees often share with HR. Being aware of them, and taking proactive steps to head them off, can help build an environment that is supportive and engaging.
Lin Grensing-Pophal is a Contributing Editor at HR Daily Advisor.
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