Facilitating Fairness in the Workplace

If you have been in the workplace very long, you have probably heard, "that's not fair" or "he/she is playing favorites". When there is a perceived lack of fairness, it can result in lower productivity, engagement, negative relationships, and higher turnover. Perceptions of lack of fairness can also impact your employer brand and even result in lawsuits.

Here are some ways that you, as a manager, can improve perceptions of fairness.

1. Get to know your employees. Workplace fairness starts with understanding your employees, their needs, and what is important to them.
2. Listen to your employees. Listening is the easiest way to make your employees feel valued and promote fairness at work. Make sure that everyone has the opportunity to be heard.
3. Avoid playing favorites. Nothing good happens when we show favoritism to an employee. Avoid things that make it appear you have favorites like having lunch with a certain employee frequently or always picking the same employee for special assignments or recognition.
4. Avoid politics. Strive to quell attempts of employees to obtain favor from you and try to avoid listening to or contributing to gossip.
5. Provide frequent feedback. If employees receive frequent positive and corrective feedback, they will know where they stand and better understand decisions.
6. Communicate equitably. Don't just provide information selectively with employees you like or trust more - and don't use information as a reward or relationship-builder with some employees but not others.
7. Model and apply rules consistently. Apply the rules to yourself first and then consistently to everyone else. Don't allow yourself perks that your employees don't receive as this will send signals of inequality.
8. Provide an outlet for employees. Let them know that you would like them to communicate with you about concerns that they have, and communicate that there is an open door to share with your boss or HR if they feel that something isn't fair.

The benefits of cultivating a reputation as a manager who deals with people in a fair and honest manner are great. There will be those that aren't content no matter what. If you can look in the mirror and tell yourself that you have been a fair and impartial manager, you have done your best.

WANT TO LEARN MORE? Attend our FREE virtual workshop on this topic on 4/15/21 from 10 to 11 a.m. If interested, email me at [email protected].