Five Ways to Empower Employees

Workers who feel like they have a say in their work environment and can help make decisions, serve clients and customers, and contribute to the overall growth and operations of a company are more likely to be productive, long-lasting, and happy. Here are some suggestions for what employers can do to empower employees to be stronger members of the company team:

1. Give employees the power to say "yes" and "no"--whether working in customer
service or dealing with clients or customers on some other level, by giving everyone the power and resources to make decisions, give answers and solve problems not only will customers be happier with fewer rungs of authority to deal with, but employees will also feel more invested in the outcome. This creates stronger connections, quicker results, and happier people overall.

2. Elimate barriers, restrictions and layers of protocol--The more steps, individuals, policies and departments employees have to work through to get results, the more frustrating and disempowering things actually are. Use cross-training, multi-department teams and projects, and trainings to help break down the boundaries and barriers that may exist between employees and departments. Do you have a policy and procedure for every potential work situation? Maybe it's time to revisit all those policies and restrictions and start eliminate ones that are keeping people from taking responsibility andmaking energetic contributions to growth.

3. Ask for help and input solving problems--Let everyone weigh in on solving
problems--not just the same few executives. Ask for input on issues that may be
facing the company (send out an email or ask for suggestions at a meeting). Instead of problem-solving from the top, down, try asking the individuals most affected and involved what they might see as solutions.