What are the Benefits of Good Line Manager Relationships?

As I draw my latest series of blogs to a close, I want to give a quick recap on what I’ve discussed this month around the extremely important topic of good line manager relationships.

I suggested that a ‘good line manager relationship’ is what guides teams to execute broader company goals, while also supporting individual growth and development.

I then shared my thoughts on how line managers can ensure this relationship is built and lasts – including trusting your team, knowing your team members personally, being responsive, and fulfilling your promises.

In my last blog I considered the importance of a good line manager relationship. This included effective communication, positive work culture, and continuous improvement.

And now to conclude the series, I want to discuss the benefits of a good line manager relationship.

There’s no doubt as to the importance of working together to create a positive and enthusiastic workplace environment which will in turn boost productivity and help achieve strategic goals and targets.

Former Apple CEO Steve Jobs once said: “Great things in business are never done by one person; they're done by a team of people.”

And American author Helen Keller echoed this sentiment in her words: “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.”

Line manager relationships are central to workplace success and these two famous quotes address the benefits of good line manager relationships.

Here’s my checklist of these benefits.

Improved health and wellbeing

The most significant and obvious benefit of a good line manager relationship is the improved workforce health and wellbeing.

Unfortunately, many have struggled with their mental health, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic which saw many adjustments to work and home life. According to non-profit organisation Mind Share Partners, 84% of employees reported at least one workplace factor that negatively impacted their mental health with 50% claiming to leave their jobs for their mental health in 2021.

This shows how line managers need to prioritise the psychological and physical health of their employees.

Greater productivity and performance

A business can increase productivity when employees are healthy and happy in the workforce. When line managers invest in creating a healthy workplace that prioritises the needs of their colleagues, they maintain the employee’s excitement to work and contribute to the company and personal goals – pushing themselves to do better every time. As a result, companies will see an improvement in the performance of their employees as well as the quality output they make.

Improved corporate image

When employees are satisfied with the company culture and healthy workplace of a company, it leads to an improvement in the organisation's corporate image. Having a healthy workplace shows how line managers are serious about taking care of their colleagues, which is a factor that job applicants look for. It makes the company stand out from the rest of its competitors and helps attract a diverse and talented pool of candidates.

Increased job satisfaction

Cultivating open communication between co-workers can encourage employees to be more engaging and collaborative, increasing satisfaction in the workplace.

Another way to increase job satisfaction is by gathering feedback from employees on how they feel towards the company, work, and colleagues. By understanding their needs and issues, line managers can then make the necessary upgrades to satisfy employees’ wants in the workplace.

Greater work development and learning opportunities

Employees feel appreciated when their work environment allows them to explore their capabilities and skills in their work. Because of this, they’re excited to learn and try new things that could improve and add to their knowledge and expertise.

It’s up to line managers to match employees’ needs and provide growth and development opportunities such as opening promotional roles to all employees interested and offering educational workshops to expand their knowledge and skills on particular topics.

How often to your people smile at you like this? Photo Frank Rolando Romero Unsplash

Improved employee morale

Good line manager relationships help employees feel safe, heard, and comfortable enough to freely work and express their creativity without feeling judged.

A healthy workplace sees employees’ happiness increase and motivation to continue working. There are many ways to promote employee morale through a happy workplace, such as having team outings such as lunch outs, group workouts, and team retreats. These activities encourage employees to take time off away from their desks and build connections with co-workers – boosting employee morale.

Lower absenteeism rates

Line managers who take the time to cultivate a healthy workplace will see fewer health and sickness instances, lowering the number of absenteeism and tardiness.

Increased employee engagement

Good line manager relationships increase employee engagement in the workforce. When an employee is engaged, there’s higher productivity rate, greater loyalty, better retention rates, and enhanced customer experiences. 

Lower turnover rate

Employee retention is a serious issue companies face, especially now, where employees are more comfortable in exploring other opportunities. Employees who are happy with their line managers will be less likely to leave for another company.

When turnover rates are low, it helps companies’ lower costs and additional effort that constant hiring, training, and onboarding brings. In addition, when employees feel supported, appreciated, and engaged, they’re more committed to their employer and doing their best work.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this latest series of blogs, and I look forward to offering my insights on another key resilience-related topic next month.

If you need further information about this approach, or any other resilience topic, please contact russell@theresiliencecoach.co.uk.