Guest Author: Todd Ericson – HR Director
My foundational approach to HR, no matter the setting, is to see the image of God in all people. It is expressed in showing employees love, compassion, kindness and maintaining their dignity. Even in difficult situations or when they may not seem to deserve it, we can genuinely embody these characteristics. Now, this doesn’t mean that there is not a real and implied business contract with employees. There is always an agreement that in exchange for the employee’s work (time, effort, good attitude, productivity, and quality of work) that you will pay them a fair wage, provide certain benefits, a safe place to work, and fair management. So how do we balance love, compassion, kindness and their dignity with our responsibilities as a boss?
While people are in our employ, we have an obligation to provide coaching, direction, and tools for them to be effective in their job and yet hold them accountable to do their best. Accountability is actually a good, loving thing to provide. In Genesis 1:26-2:25 God explicitly gives man the responsibility of stewardship of his creation and to till the land. In Colossians 3:22-24 in the context of working for an employer, Paul says we are to :work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men…” We are helping employees fulfill the design for which they were created, to live as God intended and wired them: to work and be productive. When we live as God designed, we will be fulfilled and satisfied. Work, good hard work, is intended, and can actually be, a great source of joy. This is true for you and for your employees, whether you are believers or not.
So what does accountability look like? It is coaching, guiding, and working alongside them to improve. We do this with generosity in our time and attention, with dignity and kindness, and balance it with a firmness in our expectations. As we work with employees, we can move through modeling what we expect, collaborating alongside them, teaching, training, demonstrating, etc. Sometimes a more direct and explicit approach is needed. However, finding in yourself a genuine heart and attitude of care is important. One visual picture has been particularly helpful. Figuratively or literally, instead of sitting across the desk or table from your employee giving direction or spouting expectations, come around the table, pull up a chair, and sit next to your employee to look at the issue and brainstorm together about a reasonable and helpful solution. That time, attention, and attitude will speak volumes. If that is not successful, a written “performance improvement plan” or something similar may be needed. As a reminder, we should be taking each of these steps while embodying love, compassion, kindness and dignity.
Although we wish modeling these characteristics always produced great results, unfortunately, it isn’t always the case. Believe it or not, sometimes the most loving thing to do is terminate employment. This is especially true when the employee is not the right fit for the job, the culture, or the company. Generally, they are miserable and make their co-workers miserable too. Sometimes when they won’t make a change or can’t make the decision themselves, the best and most loving thing to do is to make that decision for them. Often the next opportunity is better. Even in the termination process compassion can be shown in offering personal support (reviewing a resume, helping with a mock interview, potentially a networking contact). A follow-up call would demonstrate sincerity. Organizationally a small severance could be offered or job search/placement services. Interestingly, if done with compassion, some of the most meaningful help occurs when emotions and vulnerability are high during the termination when you learned about their personal and family challenges. Coaching and feedback is often more effectively when it is done as a friend and not in the context of an employer-employee relationship. This extra, genuine care is the love Jesus modeled for us. In addition, people are far more open to spiritual matters outside of the work/job context. Go into these situations prayerfully with the expectation that God can use you powerfully even in delivering hard messages.
In all your HR activities show employees love, compassion, kindness and dignity, remembering they are created in the image of God.