Companies and their employees deal with different issues every day, such as work related concerns and even personal matters. Businesses and companies practice a so-called open-door policy.

Open-door Policy

The open-door policy is a mechanism and quality management practice which serves to cater to and sustain employees, through empowerment and morale. It serves to be able to cultivate a kind of environment where there is collaboration, mutual respect and high performance between both management and the employees.

The term open-door is appropriate as the policy implies that the employees are encouraged to stop by the office of senior management if they ever feel the need to meet with managers and discuss matters, such as airing out their suggestions and even asking questions.

Businesses that aim to be able to promote a cooperative environment turn to the use of this policy, as it is able to encourage greater communication between managers, or upper management and the employees of the business or company. Transparency and openness are also some of the traits the open-door policy encourages.

Advantages

The open-door policy’s aim to encourage cooperation, openness and transparency in the office is a good avenue for people to continuously improve their work environment and work ethics. High performance of employees is very essential to the company, as the business will boom if the people in it perform their best.

Employees will not hesitate to vocalize their concerns, suggestions and ideas, as the policy itself gives them the avenue to do so. It lets employees feel that it is possible to be open with their employer about different issues they encounter in a face-to-face basis and not through email or voicemail. With being able to communicate to upper management, employees can be provided with feedback on his or her thoughts raised. This leads to a boost in the employees’ morale.

With knowing that their voice is heard by upper management, employees are empowered. Also, issues are quickly being addressed and resolved, and employees are able to understand that they can be welcome to speak in confidence with their superiors. This would also lead to improved trust in the company and continuous growth.

By sustaining employee empowerment and morale, the efficiency and productivity of the employee also continues to improve. Also, corporate ethical standards are strengthened and developed.

Disadvantages

Since employees already have an avenue to communicate directly with senior management, there is always a tendency that they will bypass their immediate supervisors. This in turn will deprive the supervisors to take matters into their hands even when they are capable of handling it themselves; and would possibly create a tension between employees and middle management.

Even when the policy aims for transparency and openness, some of the employees may be hesitant to be honest with upper management due to intimidation and criticism. Upper management may also communicate their willingness to listen to suggestions but at the same time belittle them.

Rules and specifications must be laid out before the policy is implemented.