Employers should 'avoid being parental' to employees

Date: 23/03/2009

Although many people may go on the old advice that being paternal to workers is a good thing, it may not be as beneficial as previously thought, a motivational expert has noted.

David Noer, writing for the News Record, said that notions believed for years need to be thrown out to combat the "irrevocable" shift in workplace values if they are to be successful in motivating employees.

He said: "Like it or not [...] we are embarking upon a new psychological employment contract where people are seen as costs to be reduced and not long-term assets to be nurtured and developed over a career."

Mr Noer said the fatherly way of relating to workers resulted in an "unhealthy dependency" in the workplace, making employees rely on their company for social and emotional support - a bond which could have a resultant effect on the entire office should things go wrong.

He added that alongside reward and recognition, companies should invest more time in interesting work and the acquisition of precious skills, which could be achieved through team building.

Government resource Business Link agrees with this notion, adding that a team building event can help nurture an enjoyable working environment and can also stimulate innovation and loyalty.

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