Enhancing Workplace Culture Through Employee Feedback

Gathering and implementing employee feedback is crucial for fostering a positive and psychologically safe workplace culture, especially in fast-paced workplaces within the liquor industry. When employees feel heard and valued by their employer, it leads to increased job satisfaction, higher retention and engagement, and improved overall performance. Additionally, tapping into employee insights can help drive innovation and continuous improvement, enhance guest service, and create a more cohesive and motivated team.

Here are a few tips to get started:

• Set the Stage for Feedback: Ensure employees feel psychologically safe to share ideas, feedback, concerns, and suggestions, without fear of reprisal. Don’t ask for feedback if you are not prepared or equipped to follow up or take action. Acknowledge and respond to all feedback promptly.
• Create Open Channels for Communication: Establish multiple ways for employees to share their thoughts – directly and anonymously (e.g. Regular meetings, open-door policy, informal chats, online polls or feedback forms, employee engagement surveys).
• Respond Genuinely: Show an interest in what employees have to say. Show gratitude for participation, be willing to explore ideas (no matter how outrageous) and respond with empathy towards concerns.
• Implement Feedback Promptly: Demonstrating that feedback leads to tangible changes is vital. When employees see their suggestions implemented, it reinforces their organizational values and boosts morale. While not all feedback may be reasonable or actionable, it is just as important to acknowledge and let employees know why not and what, if anything, can or will be done with it.

By integrating these practices, liquor industry employers create a more inclusive and positive work environment. This enhances employee satisfaction and engagement and leads to improved guest service, ultimately benefiting the business as a whole.

For more information or to explore ways to gather and implement employee feedback, contact your go2HR Regional HR Consultant today!

go2HR, the HR and health and safety association for the BC Tourism and Hospitality Industry, has a wealth of resources to support you. We invite you to connect with us to learn more about how you can support your employees with health and safety at safety@go2HR.ca.