Treating Employees Like Adults: The Key to a Productive and Engaged Workforce

When managing a team of employees, how often do you consider whether you are treating them like adults or like children. Treating employees like adults means giving them the freedom to make decisions, be responsible for their actions, and have ownership over their work. This approach is beneficial for both the employees and the company.

Transactional Analysis (TA) is a psychological theory developed by Eric Berne, which suggests that individuals have three ego states, including Parent, Adult, and Child. When employees are treated like children, they are more likely to behave like children, which can lead to negative behaviors, such as resistance or resentment. However, when employees are treated like adults, they are more likely to behave like responsible and capable adults, which can lead to positive behaviors such as initiative, creativity, and collaboration.

One benefit of treating employees like adults is that it allows for remote working. During the pandemic, many companies have had to adopt remote working policies, and trusting employees to work from home demonstrates that they are capable of managing their time and delivering results without constant supervision. This can lead to a more productive and engaged workforce.

Flexible schedules are also a benefit of treating employees like adults. Allowing employees to set their own schedules shows that they are trusted to manage their time, leading to a more efficient and productive workforce. It also shows that the company values folks’ needs, which can lead to happier and more motivated employees, and reciprocally, a more productive and successful business.

Another benefit of treating employees like adults is reducing the number of working hours per week. When employees are given the freedom to manage their workload, they are more likely to find efficient ways of completing their tasks, leading to a more balanced work-life. This can also reduce stress and burnout, which can increase productivity and employee satisfaction.

In conclusion, treating employees like adults is a beneficial approach that leads to a more productive, engaged, and satisfied workforce. This approach, based on the principles of Transactional Analysis, shows that companies trust their employees to make decisions and take responsibility for their work. Remote working, flexible schedules, and reduced working hours are just some of the features of this approach.