When you go into the office, you want to feel like a valued and respected member of the team. You want to know that your employer has your back at all times and will look out for you. Yet so many people feel miserable at work, and an enormous 75% of workers claim that their boss is the worst part of their job.
We’ve all had a bad boss at one time or another. Those that are aggressive and rude to their staff, or micro-manage every little thing you do. There are even those that act nice to your face, yet undermine and belittle you behind your back.
If you have a job you enjoy, and feel you are treated well, you are incredibly lucky. You spend a huge amount of time at work throughout your adult life, so you want it to be a positive and rewarding experience. But how can you tell that your employer is on your side? Most bosses want to present a positive front to their workforce, but they are not always acting in your best interests. If you want to know that you are valued in the workplace, here are five key signs that your employer is looking out for you.
They make time for you
A boss is not just there to boss you around and tell you what to do. Their true function is to empower you, and help you get the best results. They are there to answer your questions and give you advice. A good employer should be a mentor and a friend as well as a manager.
Anyone who owns a business or works in senior management is busy all the time, and they are no doubt constantly rushing around to generate new business or pitch to clients. But an employer should also make time for their staff as well.
If you have an issue at work, do you feel comfortable going to your boss for help? Can you admit your difficulties and ask for advice? If this prospect fills you with unease, you most likely have a toxic work environment. A manager is there to support and enable their staff to succeed. You want a boss who will be a shoulder to cry on in the bad times, and a cheerleader for your abilities in the good times.
They prioritize company culture
A successful business is not just a means of making money for its owner. It is a team of people who work together to get things done and make a difference. Company culture is so important, as it elevates your profession from just a job. You want the office to be a place you go to be with people you love and have a great time. Sure, work isn’t always the most fun thing in the world, but if you wake up on Monday morning with a feeling of dread then something is wrong.
Too many bosses neglect their staff, and fail to make an effort to promote good working relationships. One way employers can boost company culture is to organize social events and enable constant communication and collaboration amongst colleagues. This can take the form of nights out, team lunches, and company day trips. It could even be as simple as a comfortable area to hang out or some games to entertain yourselves in your downtime.
They take steps to protect you
Some workplaces can be dangerous, especially if you work in a factory or warehouse. As a minimum, your employer needs to be providing a safe work environment with proper protective equipment. But even if you work in an office, there are still potential dangers to your health and wellbeing. For example, does your building have proper fire procedures and equipment in place? Are you provided with manual handling training? Are there measures in place to protect your vision and posture from sitting down and staring at screens all day? Does your company have proper employers’ liability insurance? All these things are important and can help you feel safe and protected at work.
They promote work-life balance
Your life is not governed by your work. You no doubt have a rich and varied existence full of wonderful friends, family, hobbies, and interests. Although it’s great to have a job you love, it is only a small part of your life. And therefore it’s essential for your mental health and happiness that you can maintain a solid work-life balance.
But so many employers try to squeeze as much time and labor out of their staff as possible. During the pandemic, many workers experienced working from home for the first time, and enjoyed a wealth of benefits such as more free time, no commuting, and reduced household expenses. Many companies have continued to adopt a hybrid working structure, although other bosses are clamoring for employees to return to the office.
Does your employer look out for your wellbeing by enabling you to balance your personal and professional lives? Perhaps they offer flexible hours so you can deal with childcare or doctor’s appointments. Maybe they allow you to work from home as you wish or take holiday whenever you need it. The best bosses allow you to schedule your work around your life, and not the other way round.
They help you to be better
No one wants to stagnate in the same job role year after year. You want to expand your skill set so you can progress in your career to bigger and better things. A boss should enable their employees to improve themselves, constantly providing new opportunities to enhance their knowledge base through training courses, mentoring, and workshops. This not only helps you in your job, but also helps them to run a better business with more skilled staff.
Does your boss empower you, or simply take you for granted?
In summary, these are some of the ways in which the best bosses look out for their staff’s health and wellbeing. If you feel your employer doesn’t have your best interests at heart, you might be better served looking for a new opportunity.