Office-Guy ThinkingTake a moment to think about the last few times you thought something but didn’t say it.  Sometimes it seems best to just bite your tongue, right? But, that doesn’t mean what you wanted to say wasn’t worthwhile.  In part 1 of this article, we went over some of the things employees think but don’t say when it comes to their salaries, their ideas, their co-workers and their clients.  That may seem like a lot to keep quiet, but it doesn’t stop there. Here are more things many of your employees think but don’t share:

They’re Micro-Managed

Do you know the status of every last little detail that goes on in your business? Trust us; it’s not a good thing. Employees need room to breathe, and they can’t do that if you’re constantly looking over their shoulders.

You hired competent kitchen and bath professionals who can be trusted to follow your processes, right? Then let them do their jobs. Responsibility gives employees confidence. Let them do their thing and you keep an eye on the big picture.

They Don’t Get Any Direction

Maybe you’re the opposite of a micro-manager and you have no idea what’s happening in your business. That’s just as bad. If employees feel that you’re so disconnected you don’t know what you’re talking about they’ll begin to tune you out and do their own thing.

You don’t have to give everyone orders, but make a point to meet with your managers on a regular basis. It’s not important to know exactly how everything is getting done, but it is important to know that it is getting done (or why it isn’t).

They Can’t Stand Your Kin

Many small-to-medium sized kitchen and bath businesses are family affairs, but that doesn’t mean your other employees have the same love, or tolerance, for your relatives. Do you have a spouse who doesn’t work, but is still there every day? How about kids that run rampant? Or maybe you just made your little nephew Jimmy the head of your purchasing department straight out of high school? These things can really wear on your hardworking, non-related employees.

This doesn’t mean you can’t have them around, or even give them promotions within the company, but be considerate. Make sure that someone related to you has the skills that are needed for the position they’re in and if you wouldn’t want your employee’s spouse hanging around every day, maybe you shouldn’t let yours.

Your employees are valuable to your business, and keeping them happy makes your life easier. Don’t let these employees’ thoughts bring down productivity. With a little open communication, and some critical thinking on your part, you can make your business a fun and enjoyable place to work.