A little openness goes a long way in the workplace. Companies promoting office transparency are shown to have high levels of performance and productivity.
In recent years, an increasing number of companies have taken steps to becoming more transparent by doing away with restrictive hierarchal organisational structures in favour of holacratic structures which promote agility and accountability. Others have responded by introducing shared floor spaces in place of private cubicles, available only to directors or senior executives.
In creating an environment of trust and honesty, employers gain more than just commitment from their staff. With transparent leadership comes a host of benefits including greater interaction between managers and their staff.
As a leading SME with multiple offices worldwide, SilverDoor is a staunch advocate of transparency in the workplace. Our open-door approach to working ensures that staff members can interact freely amongst one another, regardless of seniority, and collaborate as one unit in achieving our company goals.
In the 18 years that we’ve been in business, transparency has played a key role in our continued success. Here’s why we think it’s so important:
Stronger relationships
When managers are honest with their employees, it leads to better interaction and trust. If staff members are kept in the loop with how they’re performing, then they’re more likely to show initiative and take ownership. This, in turn, leads to greater loyalty and stronger working relationships. At SilverDoor, we host quarterly staff appraisals backed by leadership training to ensure that staff members are working as closely as possible together.
Better alignment
Employees who understand a company’s vision are better placed to help it achieve its goals. Knowledge of a company’s successes and challenges is shown to boost performance and helps everyone feel part of a shared goal. A 2013 study revealed that 70 pr cent of those surveyed say they’re most engaged when senior staff provide them with continual updates on how a company is doing. Our all-staff meetings keep staff members abreast with everything they need to know about SilverDoor in a fun, social setting.
Delegation
Nothing builds respect like delegating responsibility to staff. Employees who are trusted to make decisions on their own are generally more accountable for their actions. Delegation motivates employees to show enterprise and come up with creative ideas. It’s also a great way to open out understanding of how a department or team works.
Open communication
One-way communication stops employees from sharing their opinion and hinders the flow of ideas. Giving people the freedom to speak up helps nip problems in the bud early. Companies can encourage open communication by hosting HR surgeries, designed to give clarity to how employees are feeling in their roles.
Problem solving
When leaders are open with their teams, problems get solved quicker. Transparency ushers in different ways of working and thinking, which, at a department or director-level is generally always a good thing. Staff surveys are a great way to address concerns and garner feedback on what’s working and what’s not. Our staff surveys have turned up some crucial insights which have helped us steer key developments and benefits within the company.
Clarity
Transparency comes in various different forms. Gone are the days when a newsletter was the only way for companies to keep staff up-to-date on business performance. Today, leaders have various channels at their disposal to communicate changes and developments, which, in themselves, are excellent platforms for building trusting through clarity.
Greater productivity
In an open office environment, team members know the ins and outs of the company they’re working for and have the liberty to speak freely. When executed properly, transparency leads to projects getting done quicker and less time being wasted on emails back and forth. Our close-knit workforce allows for easy collaboration between teams and a fast turnaround on projects.
Better recruitment and retention
Transparent companies are typically seen as more attractive in the eyes of job seekers. Organisations which are open about their culture, finances and priorities will generally find it easier to attract and retain talent. The more honest you are from the beginning, the more likely you are to attract people who are truly invested in your company and its mission.
