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Productivity, loyalty, and success are driven not only by compensation and benefits but by the alignment of personal and professional goals between employers and employees. As organisations navigate evolving employee expectations, understanding who your employees are on a personal level has never been more crucial. Beyond job performance and career development, knowing employees’ motivations, backgrounds, life challenges, social circles, and values can enable employers to foster a workplace culture where people feel valued and aligned with the company’s vision. Understanding your employees on a deeper level, beyond their job titles and performance metrics, is a powerful tool for maximising the employer-employee relationship.
The old adage “people don’t quit jobs; they quit bosses” highlights the importance of human connection in the workplace. This connection goes far beyond the role-specific metrics and touches on the genuine understanding of an employee’s personal and professional goals. When employers understand what motivates each individual, they can align organisational goals with these motivations, making work more meaningful and rewarding for both parties.
Why Understanding Your Employees Matters
Research shows that employees who feel understood and supported are more engaged, loyal, and productive. According to Gallup, only about 34% of employees are actively engaged in their work. Meanwhile, data from LinkedIn’s 2022 Global Talent Trends report reveals that companies focusing on employee well-being and understanding are experiencing higher levels of engagement and retention.
When companies invest in understanding their employees, it yields numerous benefits:
- Higher Retention Rates: Employees who feel genuinely valued are more likely to stay with a company longer. They feel appreciated, and when their personal motivations align with their work, they find fulfilment that increases their loyalty.
- Increased Productivity: Motivated employees who find purpose in their roles are naturally more productive. By understanding what drives an employee, managers can tailor projects, responsibilities, and goals that resonate with the individual.
- Enhanced Company Culture: A workplace where employees are seen and understood fosters a culture of trust and inclusivity. When employees feel they can bring their whole selves to work, the organisation benefits from a more cohesive, collaborative environment.
- Better Alignment with Business Goals: When managers understand employees' priorities and career goals, they can align these aspirations with the business’s long-term objectives, creating a partnership that is both mutually beneficial and sustainable.
Key Areas to Understand About Employees
Understanding employees goes beyond simply learning their strengths and weaknesses in the workplace. Here are the essential areas that employers should explore to foster a holistic understanding of each team member:
Personal Motivations
- Understanding what motivates employees on a personal level is essential. For some, career growth might be a top priority, while others may value work-life balance, personal achievements, or simply financial security. Asking questions about what excites them, what professional or personal goals they are pursuing, and what they consider “success” in their lives can provide insights into what drives them. This allows leaders to help employees find deeper meaning in their work and align job roles with personal aspirations.
Life Beyond Work
- Knowing about employees’ lives outside of work—their hobbies, interests, family dynamics, and commitments—can make work more manageable and supportive. For instance, an employee with young children might need a flexible schedule to manage childcare, while someone pursuing further education might need additional support or flexible hours. Leaders can work with employees to find solutions that allow them to meet their personal commitments while still performing their best at work.
Background and Life Experience
- Each employee brings a unique perspective shaped by their background and life experience. Knowing an individual’s cultural, educational, or socioeconomic background provides a richer understanding of their perspectives and communication style. For example, an employee who grew up in a multicultural environment might be especially skilled at navigating diverse teams. Leaders can use this information to leverage strengths, foster inclusivity, and promote understanding across teams.
Family and Social Dynamics
- Family structures, support systems, and friendship groups play a significant role in an employee’s life. Understanding these dynamics helps managers to offer empathy and flexibility. For example, an employee who is also a caregiver may appreciate a culture that supports flexible hours or remote work options. Knowledge of their social connections or networks can also reveal areas where the employee may feel extra pressure or support, helping managers approach challenges and opportunities with greater sensitivity.
Personal and Professional Challenges
- Every employee faces challenges, whether in their personal lives or their careers. When leaders take the time to understand these obstacles, they can provide the necessary support or resources to help employees overcome them. For instance, an employee who fears public speaking might benefit from professional development opportunities to build confidence. By helping employees address challenges head-on, companies show empathy and invest in their team members’ growth.
Long-Term Focus and Aspirations
- Understanding an employee’s long-term goals allows employers to align these goals with career development opportunities within the company. Some employees may aspire to move into management, while others might be passionate about specialised skills. Knowing these aspirations can help managers tailor growth plans and provide career development resources that keep employees engaged.
What Gets Them Up in the Morning
- Some employees are driven by passion for their work, others by the opportunity to make a difference, and still others by the need to provide for their families. Understanding what motivates employees each day helps employers create a work environment where these motivations are acknowledged and supported. For example, employees motivated by personal development will appreciate training opportunities, while those driven by teamwork may enjoy collaborative projects.
Where Career Fits in Their Priorities
- Not everyone places their career as their highest priority, and understanding this dynamic can help managers align work expectations accordingly. Some employees might be in a phase of life where career growth is paramount, while others may be focusing on family or health. By understanding these priorities, employers can be more flexible in setting expectations and work arrangements, fostering long-term engagement.
How to Gain a Deeper Understanding of Your Employees
Creating a work culture where employees feel known and understood takes intentional effort. Here are some strategies for gaining a more comprehensive understanding of your team:
Open Communication Channels
- Encourage open, two-way communication to understand employees’ needs, goals, and feedback. This could be through regular one-on-one meetings, team check-ins, or feedback sessions where employees feel comfortable sharing both personal and professional insights.
Active Listening
- Active listening means truly hearing what employees are saying without judgment or distraction. Managers who practice active listening pick up on both verbal and nonverbal cues, allowing them to better understand employees’ concerns, desires, and motivations.
Encourage Authentic Conversations
- Create a safe space for employees to discuss their life outside work, if they choose to. This can be achieved by asking genuine questions that encourage employees to share their interests and aspirations, respecting their comfort levels and privacy. Authentic conversations show employees that managers care about them as individuals, not just as workers.
Implement Regular Check-Ins Beyond Performance Reviews
- One-on-one meetings that go beyond KPIs and performance metrics allow managers to understand employees’ personal and professional journeys. Ask questions that help you understand their current challenges, achievements, and the support they need to succeed.
Invest in Personal Development
- Offer professional development resources and encourage employees to pursue their passions. Supporting personal growth initiatives, whether through mentorship, courses, or team-building activities, reinforces that the company values their overall well-being and development.
Celebrate Individual Achievements and Milestones
- Acknowledging personal achievements or milestones outside of work, such as birthdays, family events, or hobbies, can strengthen relationships. By celebrating these moments, companies show employees that they are valued beyond their job roles.
Aligning Employee Motivations with Business Goals
Once employers have a clear understanding of their employees’ motivations and aspirations, they can take steps to align these personal goals with business objectives:
Tailor Career Paths to Individual Aspirations: Aligning an employee’s career path with their goals ensures that their work feels purposeful and rewarding. For example, an employee interested in leadership can be given opportunities to lead projects or mentor newer team members.
Connect Individual Goals with Company Vision: Show employees how their personal goals align with the company’s mission. For example, if an employee is passionate about sustainability, and the company has initiatives in this area, highlight how their work directly impacts these goals.
Encourage Ownership and Responsibility: When employees feel a sense of ownership, they become more invested in their work. Managers can offer more responsibility to employees who demonstrate initiative and show an interest in growth, creating alignment with company goals and personal development.
Provide Opportunities for Feedback and Growth: Regularly seek feedback on employees’ goals and motivations and adjust roles or responsibilities as needed. Offer growth opportunities that not only advance their careers but also resonate with their personal interests and ambitions.
Foster a Sense of Purpose and Meaning: Help employees see the broader impact of their work. Employees who understand how their role contributes to the company’s larger goals are more likely to find their work fulfilling and stay motivated.
Building a Meaningful Employer-Employee Relationship
In today’s workplace, knowing your employees on a deeper level is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. By understanding their motivations, challenges, backgrounds, and aspirations, companies can create an environment where employees feel valued, understood, and aligned with the business’s long-term vision. This deeper connection fosters trust, encourages loyalty, and ultimately creates a culture of mutual respect and collaboration.
Building these relationships requires ongoing communication, genuine interest, and a commitment to seeing employees as whole individuals rather than just job titles. When employers invest time in understanding who their employees are beyond their roles, they unlock greater potential, foster a more engaged workforce, and create a foundation for shared success.
Ren Ecosystem