Why Employees Should Be Treated Like Clients

Over the past year, I’ve been asked to complete several staff surveys. I work for a few different organizations and staff surveys seem to be the current trend.  

In these surveys all types of questions are asked, and they vary widely. Employees are asked to weigh in on the organization’s hiring practices and their management of diversity, equity and inclusion. We’re also asked about our work-life balance and job satisfaction. 

I find this practice interesting. I don’t remember being asked to complete surveys like this before.  

Don’t get me wrong. I’m happy to share my opinion and give feedback, but it feels new. Refreshing and surprising, but new. 

I can’t help but wonder if the pandemic’s Great Resignation is the reason for this newfound interest in employee opinions. We’ve all heard stories of people who turned to new careers, education and priorities. The quiet and slower pace of the pandemic forced people to take stock of their careers – the stressful work, long hours, commuting – and many walked away.  

Or maybe employers are taking a pulse on their employees’ job satisfaction because of Gen Zs. More and more young people are entering the work force who no longer talk about careers. They think and act like a free agent, transiently moving, fitting work into their life, instead of grinding away at one job their entire life.  

No matter the reason for this newfound interest in employees’ opinions, one can’t help noticing there are a lot more surveys. 

One also can’t help noticing that it is getting harder and harder to get people to stick around. Especially people who are really good at their job. And especially if they feel undervalued.  

Employee surveys aren’t likely going to remedy this problem. But treating employees like clients might be.  

I recently heard Mark Cuban (most known for his role on Shark Tank) share his thoughts on the topic. He said that it is the employer’s responsibility to re-earn employee commitment every day. Just like businesses must re-earn customer’s business every day, employers need to extend the same courtesy to their employees.  

It makes sense.  

Businesses work hard so customers feel valued, appreciated, and respected. Concerns are promptly addressed, and needs are met. Businesses and customers are part of a reciprocal relationship, built on a foundation of trust and transparency.  

Employees should be treated the same. They too are in a reciprocal relationship with the organization. They also deserve the same level of appreciation, respect, trust and transparency. But they often don’t receive it. 

Like Mark Cuban, I believe that valuing employees as much as clients, would transform many organizations and their culture.  

If people felt valued and appreciated, many more people would want to stay.  

We all know it’s the little things that matter. Feeling listened to. A note of gratitude or thanks for a job well done. Flexibility.  

These are all things a client would be given. They’re simple. And it often costs nothing. 

As a challenge this week, consider how you and others are treated in your work environment. Are employees being treated with the same care as clients? If not, consider if there anything you can do, no matter what position or rank you hold, to extend a little more consideration to those around you. 

It is the responsibility of the employer to set the tone and culture in any workplace. But everyone holds a role within it. This week, try extending the kindness you would want – a note of thanks, a friendly gesture, a sincere compliment. These little things are what we all want. They make a difference.