Building a strong relationship with your immediate supervisor or boss is crucial to understanding each other’s expectations, maintain quality performance output and achieve overall job satisfaction. This article explores on the importance of employer feedback in the workplace.

In fact, 28 percent of employees would rather have a better boss than a $5,000 raise, according to the recent Randstad US Employee Engagement Study.

“Not only is healthy boss-employee relationship integral to overall career happiness, it is vital to positively affecting the company’s bottom line. In fact, our study found that employers truly believe their company would be more successful if they listened to employees’ ideas and feedback more often. After all, communication is the key to discovering what drives employees, enhances morale and improves employee retention,” said Jim Link, Chief Human Resources Officer, Randstad North America.

Given that the majority of employers say they are inspired by their employees, it is important for managers to create an open and honest communication atmosphere that allows employees to feel comfortable voicing their feedback to their bosses/immediate supervisors or employers. In turn, employees must take advantage of such opportunities to express their ideas and concerns.

Here are five things bosses wish their employees would tell them:

1. “I want to demonstrate that I’m capable of doing more.” Employers want their employees to feel comfortable sharing their career aspirations. Doing so allows employers to better understand an employee’s goals so they can work together to develop their individual career path. Managers should create benchmarks for success and hold employees accountable for taking the necessary steps to meet those expectations.

See: Things Employees Would Change If They Were the Boss

2. “I have a solution to a problem we have in the workplace.” Workers often feel their feedback does not matter to their managers or senior leaders. Employers can remedy this by focusing on engagement from the employee perspective rather than leave it to the top executives. This helps to instill greater transparency between supervisors and workers, as some of the best ideas to maximize performance, innovation and company culture come from the employees themselves.
3. “I’m looking to strengthen my skillset.” While managers may feel they are furthering their workers’ careers by giving them more work, not nearly as many employees would agree. Employees should communicate the desire for more opportunities to attend conferences and workshops, or pursue degree programs that complement their skill sets. Managers can then keep an eye out for projects they think their employees would thrive and excel in.
4. “I’m ready to move my career forward, and I’m considering other opportunities.” It is very common, especially for entry level professionals, to switch companies or careers every one to two years. When employees are ready for a change, managers can take the time to show them any growth opportunities that exist within the company. This helps to retain valuable talent that can positively increase the company’s bottom line, and earn loyalty from employees that feel the company is truly investing in their success.
5. “I have some ideas on how to improve staff morale.” Workplace happiness is a two-way street. Sometimes even the most well-intentioned managers can overlook problems in the workplace. Employees must take it upon themselves to bring forward any issues or suggest solutions for improvements. Workers can suggest an employee engagement survey, or an open discussion among the team that the manager can facilitate.

Also read: Would you rat on your boss?

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