Communication is critical in any workplace, allowing information to flow freely and ensuring that problems are successfully presented to those with the ability to correct them. While managers typically have little issue with engaging with each other, employees don’t always know which communication channels are best for expressing their thoughts. Speaking up in meetings is intimidating to some, and options like emails or messengers have delays between responses, which isn’t always ideal.
Fortunately, there’s a straightforward and effective solution: implementing an open door policy. Here’s a look at what an open door policy is and the value an open door policy can bring to the table.
What Is an Open Door Policy?
An open door policy is a communication channel designed to make managers more accessible to their team members. Essentially, it involves letting employees know that they’re always welcome to share their thoughts, typically by approaching their manager at any time when the manager is in their office.
Open door policies don’t involve topic restrictions. Instead, employees can bring up any subject with their manager. That includes questions about assignments, requests for feedback, assistance with navigating obstacles, challenges with interpersonal matters within the team, and even some personal struggles.
The Benefits of Having an Open Door Policy
An open door policy is functionally a communication channel, giving employees a clear avenue for discussing matters with managers face-to-face. While some company leaders may find the potential interruptions that come with an open door policy cumbersome, the benefits to the organization often outweigh any drawbacks.
Here’s a look at the benefits of having an open door policy.
Improved Flow of Information
Open door policies allow employees to speak privately with managers whenever the need arises spontaneously. As a result, critical information that isn’t on the manager’s radar yet is more likely to reach them. Companies are then better informed about challenges, obstacles, or conflicts occurring in the workplace or between team members, making it easier to act before the situation worsens.
Additionally, open door policies improve the flow of information between managers and employees. When a team member isn’t clear about something, they can quickly reach out to get insights from a company leader. That often leads to better outcomes, as employees don’t have to guess what’s needed or spend unnecessary time gathering answers that managers could otherwise easily provide.
Stronger Working Relationships
An open door policy is an invitation to employees, encouraging them to engage with their managers more directly. Since conversations often occur at more regular intervals as a result, it leads to stronger working relationships between managers and team members. In turn, that builds trust and a sense of security since there are fewer barriers between company leaders and employees.
Often, in time, an open door policy also cultivates loyalty due to stronger connections. In turn, retention typically improves, as well as productivity.
Creating a Supportive Culture
In most cases, simply knowing that managers are available for discussions makes employees feel more supported. They have a place to turn when they face challenges. Even if they never take advantage of the open door policy, the fact that it’s an option makes a difference, leading to a supportive culture.
Similarly, employees that do use the open door policy clearly see that the company wants to meet their needs. It makes the environment feel more welcoming and boosts the organization’s culture.
How to Set Up an Open Door Policy
Setting up an open door policy involves more than simply saying a manager’s door is always open. Instead, it’s best to add a degree of structure, ensuring employees’ and managers’ needs are both met. Here’s how to get started.
Describe the Purpose
It’s wise to formally describe the purpose of an open door policy before presenting it to employees. This often involves outlining what these spontaneous meetings are for, such as assisting with overcoming obstacles, navigating conflicts with team members, and other work-related purposes. Essentially, this shows that popping by for a purely social conversation isn’t what the time is for, ensuring that those who do reach out are doing so for the right reasons.
Outline Any Boundaries
Effective open door policies often include boundaries and limitations. For example, managers may want to outline precisely when they’re available for spontaneous discussions, allowing them to block out time spent on detail-oriented tasks, meetings, and activities requiring focus. Just make sure that enough time is made available to address employee needs.
Have Options for Remote Workers
If a manager has remote workers, it’s best to have a formalized way for them to take advantage of an open door policy. One simple strategy is to allow those employees to request meetings during the designated window. Then, managers simply need to ensure that they don’t have other rigid plans during the chosen hours, allowing employees to spontaneously schedule a phone or video call when the need arises.
Do You Want to Expand Your Team This Year? Burnett Specialists Is Here to Help!
Open door policies help cultivate an open, supportive culture where information flows freely. However, if your team is shorthanded, an open-door policy alone isn’t enough to address their challenges. Instead, right-sizing your team must be a priority, ensuring workloads are manageable and work quality meets or exceeds expectations.
At Burnett Specialists, we understand the importance of making sound hiring decisions. Our team works diligently to help companies connect with high-quality talent in less time, ensuring organizations get their perfect match and fill vacancies as soon as possible. If you need to expand your team this year, the experienced team at Burnett Specialists can streamline the hiring process. Plus, Burnett Specialist focuses on offering an exceptional candidate experience, making it easier to broaden your talent pool and cement your reputation as an employer of choice. Request more information to see how Burnett Specialists can benefit your organization.
