Beyond Reprimand: Uncovering the Why Behind Employee Behavior

We've all been there. Walking the halls at work, a sense of routine washing over you, and then – a jolt! You see something unexpected. In my case, it was a security guard catching some shut-eye in a back-of-house area.

My initial reaction, like most in leadership positions, might have been to follow protocol and report the sleeping guard to his supervisor. This would likely lead to a reprimand, a potential write-up, and a bruised ego for the employee. But something stopped me.

Here's the key point: most people wouldn't choose to sleep on the job. It reflects poorly, carries consequences, and disrupts the workday. So, the question arises: what was the underlying reason? Was the guard overworked, leading to exhaustion? Was there a personal issue affecting his sleep schedule, causing fatigue?

Instead of reprimanding, I opted for a different approach. I contacted the Director of Loss Prevention and requested they speak with the guard, but with a different focus. The goal wasn't punishment, but understanding. We needed to know the "why" behind his behavior.

This shift in perspective can be transformative. Beyond Fear, Towards Open Communication

A culture built solely on reprimand creates an atmosphere of fear and discourages open communication. Employees hesitate to share their struggles, fearing judgment or punishment. This can lead to a domino effect of negative consequences:

• Decreased Morale: Feeling undervalued and unsupported can quickly erode employee morale, leading to a disengaged workforce.
• Increased Absenteeism: Underlying issues, both personal and professional, can lead to employees needing to take unplanned absences.
• Reduced Productivity: Disengaged and unsupported employees are less likely to be productive, impacting overall team and company goals.

The Power of Understanding: A Win-Win Situation

By prioritizing understanding, we unlock a multitude of benefits:

• Improved Employee Morale: When employees feel valued and supported, their morale increases. They're more likely to feel invested in their work and the company's success.
• Reduced Absenteeism: Addressing underlying issues proactively can help prevent employees from needing to miss work due to stress, fatigue, or other concerns.
• Increased Productivity: Engaged and supported employees are more likely to be productive, leading to improved efficiency and achievement of goals.
• Fostering a Positive Work Environment: A workplace culture that prioritizes understanding and support fosters trust, collaboration, and innovation.

The Story Beyond the Sleeping Guard

The story of the sleeping guard is a reminder to look beyond the surface. Let's move away from a culture of quick reprimands and delve deeper to understand the "why" behind employee behavior. By fostering open communication and offering support, we can create a more positive and productive work environment for everyone.

This approach isn't just theoretical. Here are some practical ways to implement it:

• Open-Door Policy: Create a genuine open-door policy where employees feel comfortable approaching leaders with any concerns, big or small.
• Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular one-on-one meetings with direct reports to discuss not just work performance, but also overall well-being.
• Employee Assistance Programs: Offer and promote access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide confidential support for personal or work-related issues.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Explore flexible work arrangements like remote work options or compressed workweeks to help employees achieve a better work-life balance.

The Bottom Line: Investing in People Pays Off

Prioritizing employee well-being isn't just the right thing to do; it's also a smart business decision. By creating a culture of understanding and support, you're investing in your most valuable asset – your people. This leads to a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce, ultimately contributing to the success of your organization.