When we say or hear about transparency, the only thing that clicks in the mind is something that is crystal clear. However, from an HR perspective, transparency is not a new phenomenon. It is the way and extent to which information is shared and announced between employees and management. Indeed, a workplace where employees are informed about all necessary information with a transparency policy feels more engaged. Still, 4 out of 5 employees worldwide are not fully engaged in their workplace. This is because top executives are lacking in a transparent sharing of information.
A transparent culture is built from top to bottom. Implementing and welcoming a transparent leadership culture can be highly effective and beneficial for any organization. Similarly, it also promotes employee engagement, trust in employer and top management, and overall productivity. Transparency in views and sharing creates strong relationships and connections between employees and management as well. These relationships are built on the foundation of trust and open communication which can also be achieved with the proper balance of transparency.
Transparency leads to engagement and interest
Lack of transparency leads to the prohibition of employees from properly collaborating and engaging in the workplace. By being honest and transparent to employees, employers showcase that employees are in a safe and open environment. Having an engaging environment leads to more productivity and favorable outcomes for both employees and employers. This means that as a team leader, it is your responsibility to share information and details that management has shared with you about your team. Every team has the right to know what the changes in policies related to work and their profile. This will help team leaders to make their team engage in brainstorming sessions to get exciting ideas.
Transparency leads to empowerment
While briefing to team members about the tasks, team leaders should safely and keenly answer all the questions like when, why, and how. A transparent team leader although do not tell his team how to do things every time. Instead, he sticks to open conversation and to learn for employees at any time they need. If a leader describes why a task is given to an employee and what will be its outcome, the employee will feel motivated and involved. With this, employees feel that they are contributing to the organizational goals. Employees will also feel motivated and they will also appreciate the honesty of their leader which will also increase the leader's respect.
Transparency leads to trust
Agree or disagree, more than 80% of employees globally do not trust their employers when it comes to sharing the details. This lack of trust is because of the low transparency in communication. Trust increases mutual respect and commitment. Remunerations are okay, but transparency acts as a motivation factor even above monetary benefits. Employees may stay loyal and work for long periods of time if they feel they are working in a place where transparency is above anything else.
Employee engagement is not possible without transparency
Working without transparency, the employees may feel left out, anxious, and confused. They can perceive that they are just a resource that is being utilized for organizational purposes. It is the duty of executives to implement a fair transparency policy in each department.