How to Maintain a Good Employer-Employee Relationship

For both employers and employees, maintaining a good relationship with each other is important. Consistent positive interactions reduce the likelihood of conflict between the two. For employers, maintaining a good relationship can form a way to encourage employee loyalty to a company or organization. Also, if employers and employees get along, then there is a far more pleasant working environment, which in turn increases overall productivity.

There are simple logical steps that each party can take to encourage such a positive relationship. For instance, neither should display hostility towards the other, both should treat each other with basic respect and speak to each other politely. Beyond such common courtesies, both employers and employees may have questions on what they can do to get along well with one another. Should employers and employees look to develop a friendship? Is that productive? How much should they interact? And what kind of interactions should be sought out the most?


Be Supportive

A good employer-employee relationship is based on mutual support. It should become a common practice for both parties to work together. Neither should feel far removed from the other’s responsibilities. Indeed, this should form part of the organization’s basic functioning. Both parties should take time to check in on each other’s progress with their tasks. This also means regular open communication and constant feedback are highly important. Leaving room for uncertainty, such as whether your employer is pleased with your work or whether your employee understood your instructions, are counterproductive to maintaining a good working relationship. Therefore, do discuss these things.

Expressing gratitude is also an important factor that goes hand in hand with the providing of support. If an employee completes a task well, an employer should make sure to display his or her appreciation. There should always be clarity in the expectations an employer has for his or her employee. This encourages happiness in the workspace.


No Favouritism

Favouritism should be avoided. For this reason, it is not the best idea for employers and employees to form personal friendships. It seems unlikely that an employer would be able to form an equally close friendship with every employee under his or her supervision. A closer bond with some employees than others can quickly give the impression that the employer values those employees over others. This can make certain employees feel excluded and make cooperation more challenging.

To determine how close an employer should be with an employee and vice versa, each can refer to the hierarchy within an organization. Employees who work together on similar responsibilities can benefit from getting to know each other well. A manager, who is more removed from them, is allowed to take more space, to keep things professional.


Overall, employers and employees should talk often. Mainly to make sure they are aware of how the other is managing with their responsibilities. They should aim to support each other in these responsibilities and show appreciation for this support. Employers in particular also need to remember to treat all their employees with a similar degree of respect and appreciation.