I looked at the top four companies according to Fortune 100 including Hilton, Ultimate Software, Wegmans Food Markets, and Cisco. The first three companies listed shared the commonality that employees felt like they mattered to the company and were valued. Cisco focus was on having a strong support system and the amount of diversity within the company. The first three companies practice strategic human resource management so that employees understand the values, missions, and goals of the company and overall contribute to helping the company achieve their goals. In turn employees tend to feel valued and appreciated if HR is showing employees this. These companies may be doing so by sending out bonuses, verbally expressing to employees that they did well, company parties, etc. Cisco on the other hand focuses on evidence-based HR Management, specifically diversity. Research shoes when employees feel included especially minorities within a company a sense of recognition is received.
When I think about the type of manager I want to be, my main concern is making employees feel appreciated. I believe the success of every company or business lies within the employees and management can affect how these employees ultimately feel. I would use strategies like surveys to understand my employees’ needs and differentiation. Two of the most important things I would want to do is engage with employees on a regular basis and give them feedback, especially positive feedback, so they know I appreciate all they do. I think the most challenging aspect of a mangers job is making everyone feel valued because each person finds value in something different and not every method is going to work for everyone. You really must pay attention to and listen to employees’ needs so that you may help them best.