3 Ways to Promote Employee Empowerment

Empowered employees are more productive, fulfilled, and engaged. In addition, when employees feel empowered, their intrinsic motivation and organizational commitment increase. Promoting employee empowerment starts with the leader. It does not require long surveys, complicated tools, or rolling out new initiatives. Although these approaches are helpful and useful, the fastest and most efficient way to boost employee empowerment comes from the direct supervisor. Therefore, organizations should train and prepare their leaders to continuously support and empower their employees. Doing so will create a culture of empowerment that cultivates positive work environments.

Responsibility

The first way for leaders to increase employee empowerment is to delegate responsibility and give employees the freedom to work without interference. You hired them to do a specific job, so trust them to execute appropriately. Displaying trust not only encourages empowerment but also strengthens the relationship between the leader and the employee. Of course, you provide guidance and maybe even set boundaries, but then get out of the way and let them work. Providing this autonomy is the best way to foster employee support because adults crave ownership. It is part of our human nature to have a certain level of control over tasks and assignments. As a leader, finding ways to provide autonomy for your employees is essential. However, leaders must also realize that with this independence comes the possibility of their employees making mistakes. When this happens, the response is not to stop providing autonomy. Instead, take that opportunity to engage in strategic conversations that will boost employee safety and not stifle their creativity.

Resources

The second way to enhance employee empowerment is by providing employees with the necessary resources to be successful. This means more than just supplying employees with policies and procedures. A resource can be considered anything that assists the employee with being productive in their tasks. For example, as a leader, you could be seen as a resource for your employees; that means you should be available to assist them when necessary. It could also mean that as a resource, you remove barriers that might impede their success. In addition, another person might be the needed resource, so you will need to connect them with others to help them succeed. Likewise, training is another valuable resource. Leaders should support their employees by attending classes, webinars, workshops, or even providing stretch assignments as a resource to help increase their efficacy.

Reinforcement

The third way to cultivate employee empowerment is by providing positive reinforcement. Leaders accomplish this by delivering timely, relevant, and supportive feedback. Leaders should offer encouragement when an employee seems to struggle at a task and collaborate on solutions. Leaders should also be perceptive to notice when they need to explain or clarify expectations to maintain alignment of employee performance. It is essential for leaders to balance the type of feedback given to employees. Providing only praise and not mentioning areas of improvement will hinder their growth and professional development. On the other hand, only giving feedback when they have missed the mark and need improvement will quickly diminish their motivation.

Remember that positive reinforcement is necessary for people to continue the desired behavior.