The Value of Having an Open Door Policy

Many company leaders don’t see the value of an open-door policy, and many believe it's far more of a hindrance than a help, causing disruption throughout their day. However, when appropriately implemented, open-door policies can genuinely help companies thrive.

Open-door policies essentially allow employees to reach out to management team members about any potential issue they encounter, which brings some benefits with it. If you aren’t sure what gains you can experience with an open-door policy, here’s a look at some of the value it can provide. 

Why You Should Consider Implementing an Open-Door Policy

Improved Communication

First and foremost, an open-door policy creates opportunities for improved communication. Employees can readily speak with company leaders whenever there is a genuine need. This can eliminate costly information siloes, ensuring managers aren’t making decisions based on inaccurate information. Plus, problems won’t sit below their radar.

Open-door policies essentially serve as a permanent invitation to talk. When coupled with a supportive culture, that alone can work wonders regarding internal communication.

Fewer Unmanaged Conflicts

Similarly to the point above, such policies ensure that employees can speak with managers or upper-level leaders when conflicts arise that they can’t solve. For example, workers can easily reach out to their supervisor for team-level struggles. Additionally, if the open-door policy extends upward through the organization, employees have clear people to go to should the conflict involve their current supervisor.

Essentially, the employee always has a place to turn if they need help navigating an issue. As a result, there are fewer unmanaged conflicts in the organization.

Increased Innovation

An open-door policy often makes it easier for employees to share their thoughts and ideas. This is particularly true for team members who may struggle with speaking up in group settings, such as formal team meetings. Instead, they can talk with a manager one-on-one, a strategy that may better meet their needs.

Innovation tends to increase whenever ideas move through an organization with greater ease. Employees can express themselves, ensuring a potentially revolutionary idea never goes unsaid.

Improved Trust

When an open-door policy is coupled with a judgment-free culture, the organization has a higher degree of trust. Employees know that they can express themselves without fear of ridicule, making them more comfortable overall. In turn, loyalty tends to rise, all because employees trust their employees to treat them with respect at all times.

Welcoming Culture

In many cases, open-door policies lead to more welcoming company cultures. Managers aren’t shut away from their teams, leaving them largely inaccessible. Instead, employees can engage with them as the need arises, creating a sense of comradery that may otherwise not exist.

When managers are also happy to see their team members taking advantage of the policy, the feeling of support extends even further. It ensures that workers don’t feel like an inconvenience, making the entire workplace feel like a welcoming, safe place to work.

Looking to Better Manage Your Workforce?

If you are overseeing a contingent workforce and need help from a company that will leave you feeling welcome and supported, SimpleVMS is your ideal solution. Contact SimpleVMS to see how they can assist your organization today.