With & Without: A Voice

In our series comparing small businesses with and without certain traits, today we’re looking at what happens when employees have a voice and are listened to compared to when they’re not.

What Do We Mean by "Voice"?

When we talk about giving a team a "voice," we mean providing the people at your company with a platform to share their opinions and feedback, and ensuring that their voices are actively listened to and can influence change. Simply put, can your people speak up? And when they do, are you listening?

A Team with a Voice Resolves Issues Quickly

An employee with a voice quickly shares any problems that pop up. They talk about issues in a calm, respectful, and empathetic way. They know they will be heard and their problems fixed before they can become bigger issues.

An employee without a voice feels unable to speak up. They don’t trust that their issues will be taken seriously or resolved. Even small issues manifest over time and quickly eat away at job satisfaction, motivation, and performance.

A Team with a Voice Learns from Each Other

An employee with a voice shares their skills, knowledge, and experience. They are always pushing to make everyone around them better. They are happy to teach, explain, and share resources whenever asked. This makes the whole company more productive and helps everyone perform at a higher level.

An employee without a voice doesn’t share what they know. Instead of helping those around them grow, they keep their knowledge to themselves and often go under-utilized and under-appreciated.

A Team with a Voice Contributes

An employee with a voice is excited to contribute ideas. They are always searching for new ways to improve the company, themselves, and their co-workers. When discussing plans and ideas, they bring an energy that inspires the whole team, leading to improved performance and productivity.

An employee without a voice blindly does what they're told. They don’t question or try to improve things because they don’t feel they are allowed to. They quickly grow frustrated, disengaged, and will leave the company at the first opportunity.

A Team with a Voice Stays Together Longer

An employee with a voice feels like part of the company and is more engaged, productive, and connected. They feel loyal to the company and the team around them.

An employee without a voice feels isolated and disengaged. They don’t feel like a part of the company or the team and will quickly look for opportunities elsewhere.

A Team with a Voice Talks Directly to Management

An employee with a voice talks directly to management. There’s no game of 'Chinese whispers.' Management hears directly from them, leading to open, healthy, and productive conversations.

An employee without a voice is only ever heard indirectly. Their ideas and thoughts get distorted along the way, and their original meaning is often lost.

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Giving your employees a voice can lead to really positive changes for your business. When everyone feels heard and valued, you resolve issues faster, share knowledge more effectively, and inspire innovative ideas. An engaged team is more loyal and productive, driving your company forward. Start today by ensuring your employees have the voice they deserve.