For a long time, organizations practiced confidentiality and controlled information flow from the top-down and across workplace hierarchies.
But in the present times, openness and transparency are greatest values in the new modern workplace.
Transparency in the workplace is thus a critical component for winning trust of employees and make them motivated and satisfied.
Let’s dig deeper what transparency actually means, what is importance of transparency in the workplace and how business leaders can create transparent culture in their workplace.
What is transparency in the Workplace?
Transparency is an honest exchange of information between management and employees. In other words, transparency is defined as the free exchange of essential information that benefits both the organization and its employees.
Transparency in the workplace is one such fundamental value that leads to increased productivity, employee engagement, and contentment.
Communication, openness, regular feedback, empathy, and admitting mistakes are all hallmarks of a transparent workplace.
Importance of transparency in the Workplace
Workplace transparency is important for a variety of reasons.
Here are some of the key benefits of transparency at the workplace:
Employees’ trust is improved.
Transparency fosters trust between management and employees. When management is open and honest then employees have greater trust in them.
This results into higher level of engagement and involvement of employees which ultimately leads towards organizational success.
Productivity is increased
Another advantage of being honest in the workplace is increased productivity. In a transparent work culture, employees are encouraged to be open and ask more questions about their work. They ultimately get assistance to improve their work.
Transparency eliminates confusions related to work. So, in transparent work culture, projects tend to finish faster.
Communication is improved
Transparency results into effective communication. When communication is transparent then then all important messages are understood clearly and it also leaves no room for misinterpretation.
In a transparent work culture, everyone is informed about their work and others’ work. This makes a strong work culture which is based on the value of transparency.
It makes employees better at taking decisions
Being transparent actually means you believe in talent of your employees which encourage them to take decisions and complete their job with great zeal and passion.
When employees are taken into confidence and share all information in a transparent way then they own their job and work.
Client Relationship is strengthened
Transparency in the workplace improves the organization’s overall work culture which leads to improved client connections.
Employees who are more concerned about their organization’s growth can handle consumers with greater care and meet their expectations.
Clients are frequently treated by employees in the same manner in which they are treated by their employers.
Customers that are pleased with their experience will not only remain loyal but will also help to improve the brand’s reputation.
Its helps to build team
Transparency in the workplace makes a good team. Being open and transparent means that management shares clear their expectation from employees. And employees, in turn, knows what does it entail to meet the expectations.
When there is an open dialogue on needs and expectations, about opportunities and challenges then there is likelihood that team relationship becomes stronger.
How to create transparency in the Workplace
Following are steps which help to build transparent work culture:
1. Break down silos
Breaking down silos and encouraging open communication are the first steps in promoting workplace transparency. Having information and knowledge available across all business streams will help to foster a transparent culture.
You may establish a transparent work atmosphere by prioritizing an open-door policy and using tools like town hall meetings or even switching to a more open floor layout in the office.
2. Ensuring that everyone is on the same page
It is critical to have everyone on the same page regarding the organization’s success, objectives, workplace culture, and vision to establish a comfortable environment that supports transparency in the workplace.
Everyone should have a clear awareness of the organization’s aims and future visions. To establish the tone for the work they accomplish, the goals and vision should be evaluated and updated on a weekly or monthly basis.
3. Share both your successes and your failures
You should discuss the results, whether they were successful or not, in addition to the plan. Employees admire and trust leaders who can talk honestly and openly about the results of the organization’s efforts.
Managers and project supervisors who keep employees informed at all stages of their projects have a better chance of maintaining team members’ trust in their leadership.
It’s extremely vital to show and discuss your results throughout times of transition, such as periods of progress or, opposite, periods of difficulties.
4. Establish an Accountability Culture
The final ingredient in creating transparency in an organisation is accountability. Employee transparency can be negatively impacted by either too little or too much monitoring.
It is critical to develop a sense of accountability toward preserving honesty and transparency to organically inspire people. Individuals who are accountable urge their teammates to follow the rules and take responsibility for their decisions and actions.
Conclusion
Transparency does not imply that you have no filter when dealing with your staff; rather, it implies that you respect honesty and open communication. When an organization’s culture encourages transparency among all employees at all levels, it fosters a sense of trust and companionship, both of which are important drivers of engagement.
Transparency is also necessary for employees to understand their role in the larger picture and take full ownership of their responsibilities, which increases their job satisfaction and, as a result, their engagement.
