Employee Recognition-Bright Idea #2

An employee has a personal challenge that she is dealing with (ex. a child with a serious health condition). This employee decides to tell the HR Manager about her personal challenge-sometimes employees just need to be able to talk to someone at work. The HR Mgr. listens sympathetically and shows genuine concern. He then receives permission from the employee to mention her challenge to the Plant Manager. (Of course you need to be sensitive to confidentiality issues at all times). The Plant Manager then takes the time to go out to the manufacturing floor and spends a few minutes with the employee. This is not only the right thing to do- it also makes a significant, positive impression on that employee that the top boss at her facility cares about her family.

Not all employees will share their personal struggles with their co-workers-and that is OK. For the ones that do, it is an opportunity to create a more positive, affirming workplace culture.