--- title: 3 Pillars for Successful Employee Relationships | Thread description: Successful owners and managers truly understand how relating to their employees will affect their customers and, ultimately, their business. image: https://blog.threadhcm.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/adult-blond-blond-hair-1282268.jpg --- - - - - [Solutions](https://threadhcm.com/solutions/) - [Applicant Tracking](https://threadhcm.com/applicant-tracking/) - [Human Resources](https://threadhcm.com/human-resources/) - [Payroll](https://threadhcm.com/payroll/) - [Time](https://threadhcm.com/time/) - [Benefits Enrollment](https://threadhcm.com/benefits/) - [ACA Compliance](https://threadhcm.com/aca-compliance/) - [Employee Experience](https://threadhcm.com/employee-experience/) - [Learning Management](https://threadhcm.com/learning-management-system/) - [HR Consulting](https://threadhcm.com/hr-consulting/) - Resources - [Daily Thread Blog](https://blog.threadhcm.com/) - [Free Webinars](https://threadhcm.com/webinars/) - [isolved Releases](https://blog.threadhcm.com/tag/isolved-releases) - [HR eAlerts](https://blog.threadhcm.com/tag/hr-ealerts) - [Infographics](https://blog.threadhcm.com/tag/infographics) - [Press Releases](https://blog.threadhcm.com/tag/press-release) - [![Thread HCM](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Thread_February2020%20Theme/Images/thread-logo-green.png?width=100&height=100&name=thread-logo-green.png "Thread HCM")](https://threadhcm.com) - [Your Happiness](https://threadhcm.com/measuring-your-happiness/) - About - [Our Story](https://threadhcm.com/our-story/) - [Our Culture](https://threadhcm.com/our-culture/) - [Our Team](https://threadhcm.com/team/) - [Associations & More](https://threadhcm.com/associations/) - Contact - [Get In Touch](https://threadhcm.com/contact/) - [Careers at Thread](https://threadhcm.com/careers/) - [Broker or advisor?](https://threadhcm.com/partners/) - [Client Referrals](https://offers.threadhcm.com/refer-a-friend) - [Thread Office Closures](https://offers.threadhcm.com/thread-closures) - [![Demo](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2515809/a2b12e0e-ed5a-400b-912c-d234fd8519d8.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2515809/a2b12e0e-ed5a-400b-912c-d234fd8519d8) - *search* *Press enter to begin your search* [![Thread HCM](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Thread_February2020%20Theme/Images/thread-logo-green.png?width=250&height=250&name=thread-logo-green.png "Thread HCM")](https://threadhcm.com/) - Solutions - [Applicant Tracking](https://threadhcm.com/applicant-tracking/) - [Human Resources](https://threadhcm.com/human-resources/) - [Payroll](https://threadhcm.com/payroll/) - [Time](https://threadhcm.com/time/) - [Benefits Enrollment](https://threadhcm.com/benefits/) - [ACA Compliance](https://threadhcm.com/aca-compliance/) - [Learn + Learn Pro LMS](https://threadhcm.com/learning-management-system/) - [Consulting](https://threadhcm.com/hr-consulting/) - About - [Our Story](https://threadhcm.com/our-story/) - [Our Culture](https://threadhcm.com/our-culture/) - [Our Team](https://threadhcm.com/team/) - Resources - [Daily Thread Blog](https://blog.threadhcm.com/) - [Infographics](https://blog.threadhcm.com/tag/infographics) - [Press Releases](https://blog.threadhcm.com/tag/press-release) - [iSolved Releases](https://blog.threadhcm.com/tag/isolved-releases) - [Webinars – Live & On Demand](https://threadhcm.com/webinars/) - Contact - [Get In Touch](https://threadhcm.com/contact/) - [Careers at Thread](https://threadhcm.com/careers/) - [Broker or advisor?](https://threadhcm.com/partners/) - [Client Referrals](https://offers.threadhcm.com/refer-a-friend) - [Thread Office Closures](https://offers.threadhcm.com/thread-closures) - [Demo](https://threadhcm.com/demo/) - - - [Employee Engagement](https://blog.threadhcm.com/tag/employee-engagement) # 3 Pillars for Successful Employee Relationships By [HR Pros at HR Support Center](https://blog.threadhcm.com/author/hrsupportcenter-thread) August 22, 2019 Think of all the employee-related relationship problems you’ve observed and experienced. Whether you considered them as trivial annoyances or business-killers, such problems often result from three factors: poor knowledge, poor communication, and poor recognition. By recognizing these 3 pillars for successful employee relationships and understanding how to leverage them, you can dramatically improve your employee relations. ## **Knowledge** As the employer, you need to know your legal HR obligations and accountabilities or, at the very least, the resources at your disposal to get such information. Staying up-to-date with current employment laws and applying best practices in areas such as performance management and conflict resolution enables a manager to become a more effective leader. If ever an employee feels isolated, claims of unfair treatment can quickly erupt—a situation all managers need to know how to quickly and effectively diffuse and resolve. Using a trusted online resource or consulting a business peer also can help significantly improve one’s managerial skills and confidence. Understanding the limitations of your role as a business owner, manager, or HR point person is equally important. The contribution you can make is to blend knowledge of legal HR issues with your awareness of the business initiatives and goals. Towards becoming a great leader, though, the manager must understand the diverse needs of his or her employees and develop a shared environment that encourages and respects dialogue and accountability. ## **Communication** Illustrating the relationship between [effective communication](https://blog.threadhcm.com/effective-communication-for-managers), employee turnover, and financial performance, a Watson Wyatt Communication ROI Study identifies effective communication as a leading indicator of an organization’s financial performance. Some of the study’s findings include: - Companies with highly effective communication are 20% more likely to report lower turnover rates. - In a five year period, shareholder returns for organizations with very effective communication were over 57% higher than those for organizations with less effective communication. - Companies communicating effectively retain a 19.4% higher market premium than businesses that do not. ![3 Pillars for Successful Employee Relationships](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/adult-blond-blond-hair-1282268.jpg?width=900&name=adult-blond-blond-hair-1282268.jpg "3 Pillars for Successful Employee Relationships")Obviously, knowledge stored only in your brain does little good for the productivity and morale of your staff. Constantly update them with important events and discussions to help connect the value of their work to the company’s big picture. In turn, solicit feedback; your frontline employees likely know best how feasible a seemingly great idea may actually work in the trenches. They also may be the first to spot looming problems or new opportunities for improvement. Asking employees for feedback makes them feel like valuable members and encourages them to take a greater interest in business operations. ## **Recognition** One can get caught up in the day-to-day routine of trying to complete tasks. Despite these daily demands, pay attention to and openly acknowledge key efforts and milestones reached. Whether involving a simple “thank-you” or a structured rewards system, some sort of appreciative action on your part provides a simple morale booster to help keep the work pace moving forward. ## **Putting It All Together** Staff involvement is critical to successful employee relationships. While having a comprehensive business communication and recognition program is nice, your regular staff meeting is a fundamental vehicle for bringing the pillars for successful employee relations together. Your staff meetings need to reinforce the guiding vision of the company and the related business objectives. Unfortunately, employees sometimes get so engrossed in their assigned areas that perceived gaps among peers widen. These meetings are not simply opportunities for bulletin updates; they help you get key information on how well your team is working together and performing. A couple of starter questions to ask from each member are: 1) “Tell me about what you are working on.” and 2) “What challenges have you faced or foresee facing?” Pay particular attention to the diverse perspectives and personalities of each team member. Your guidance will always play a critical part – keep asking probing questions to get to the root of the issue. ![](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/adult-communication-diversity-1181719-1024x683.jpg?width=365&height=243&name=adult-communication-diversity-1181719-1024x683.jpg)Inviting each employee to provide feedback, share observations, and recommend solutions increases inclusiveness and a stronger connection to the company. To minimize a potential gripe session, focus on discussing ways to improve. When appropriate, have the employee take ownership of a suggestion he or she offers. Depending on the scope of the activity, invite peers not only to comment but to volunteer direct efforts as well. For instance, ask the question: “How can we help support your idea?” or “What other resources do you think you’ll need?” All the while, encourage the group to determine and agree to the criteria and timelines to help gauge progress. Your employees are expected to make positive contributions impacting revenue, expense, time, market share, etc. When they do so, remember to share in the celebration of certain successes and milestones. Publicly recognizing and rewarding one's or a team’s achievements lends a whole different level of satisfaction and respect to be working in your company. After first acknowledging those going the “extra mile” during a staff meeting, you can then follow-up and… - Send a company-wide “well done” email or notice (even better…have the company’s President / Owner do so) - Invite the employee or team to present their success story to Leadership or at an industry event - Designate a prime Employee of the Month parking spot - Host a lunch reception in the employee’s or team’s honor - Offer a monetary award (e.g. “on-the-spot” extra-mile effort bonus such as a gift certificate) - Allow the employee to “take the rest of the day off” - Develop a more formal employee recognition program (commonly bonus-based) - Ensure your Performance Review System accounts for a specific individual and team goals. Successful owners and managers truly understand how relating to their employees will affect their customers and ultimately their business. Regularly communicating information and acknowledging special contributions reinforce commitment and camaraderie. The more each employee understands the common goals, each other’s roles, and the resources available, the less likely assumptions, confusion, and dissension will exist. As long as the successful and creative manager applies timely and appropriate ways to recognize and reward positive performance efforts and outcomes, the long-term health of the company will be much more secure. ### How can we help you foster strong employee relationships? #### **THE DAILY THREAD** The best tips on running a business delivered to your inbox.   ### Most Popular [![Creative Workplace Perks That Boost Engagement](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/party.webp?width=300&name=party.webp) Creative Workplace Perks That Boost Engagement May 5, 2025](https://blog.threadhcm.com/workplace-perks) [![A Heavyweight in Benefits](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Employee%20Engagement/Female%20doctor%20hand%20holding%20syringe%20with%20blue%20background%20and%20charts.jpeg?width=300&name=Female%20doctor%20hand%20holding%20syringe%20with%20blue%20background%20and%20charts.jpeg) A Heavyweight in Benefits March 20, 2025](https://blog.threadhcm.com/weight-loss-drugs) [![Mental health challenges in the workplace](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/landscape-mental-health.jpg?width=300&name=landscape-mental-health.jpg) Mental health challenges in the workplace November 29, 2024](https://blog.threadhcm.com/mental-health-in-the-workplace) ### Most Recent [![](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/offers.threadhcm.comtime-demo.jpg?width=100&height=100&name=offers.threadhcm.comtime-demo.jpg) Georgia Paid Time Off Laws (PTO) in 2026: A Guide June 22, 2026](https://blog.threadhcm.com/georgia-pto-laws) [![](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gas-price-pump-mileage.png?width=100&height=100&name=gas-price-pump-mileage.png) IRS Standard Mileage Rates: Calculating Mileage Rates May 12, 2026](https://blog.threadhcm.com/irs-standard-mileage-rate) [![](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Downtown%20Atlanta%2c%20Georgia%2c%20USA%20skyline..jpeg?width=100&height=100&name=Downtown%20Atlanta,%20Georgia,%20USA%20skyline..jpeg) An Overview: Minimum Wage in Georgia April 15, 2026](https://blog.threadhcm.com/georgia-minimum-wage) [![](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/paycheck-checkup-1024x416.webp?width=100&height=100&name=paycheck-checkup-1024x416.webp) A Guide to Understanding Gross Pay vs Net Pay March 23, 2026](https://blog.threadhcm.com/gross-pay-vs-net-pay) [![](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Savannah%2c%20Georgia%2c%20USA%20oak%20tree%20lined%20road%20at%20historic%20Wormsloe%20Plantation..jpeg?width=100&height=100&name=Savannah,%20Georgia,%20USA%20oak%20tree%20lined%20road%20at%20historic%20Wormsloe%20Plantation..jpeg) Understanding Georgia’s Noncompete Laws January 19, 2026](https://blog.threadhcm.com/noncompete-laws-georgia) - ### Previous Post Thread Makes Inc. 5000 List a 3rd Time - ### Next Post How to Welcome a New Employee: Complete Guide ### Recommended For You [![Georgia Paid Time Off Laws (PTO) in 2026: A Guide](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hubfs/offers.threadhcm.comtime-demo.jpg)](https://blog.threadhcm.com/georgia-pto-laws) ### Georgia Paid Time Off Laws (PTO) in 2026: A Guide ![Barbara Collins](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hubfs/headshot_circle.gif) [Barbara Collins](https://blog.threadhcm.com/author/barbara-collins) June 22, 2026 [![IRS Standard Mileage Rates: Calculating Mileage Rates](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hubfs/gas-price-pump-mileage.png)](https://blog.threadhcm.com/irs-standard-mileage-rate) ### IRS Standard Mileage Rates: Calculating Mileage Rates ![Barbara Collins](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hubfs/headshot_circle.gif) [Barbara Collins](https://blog.threadhcm.com/author/barbara-collins) May 12, 2026 [![An Overview: Minimum Wage in Georgia](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hubfs/Downtown%20Atlanta%2c%20Georgia%2c%20USA%20skyline..jpeg)](https://blog.threadhcm.com/georgia-minimum-wage) ### An Overview: Minimum Wage in Georgia ![Barbara Collins](https://blog.threadhcm.com/hubfs/headshot_circle.gif) [Barbara Collins](https://blog.threadhcm.com/author/barbara-collins) April 15, 2026 #### Get In Touch 12640 Crabapple Rd., Suite 340 Milton, GA 30004 - [678-366-3447](tel:+1-678-366-3447) - [info@threadhcm.com](mailto:info@threadhcm.com) - - - - [Applicant Tracking](https://threadhcm.com/applicant-tracking/) - [Benefits Enrollment](https://threadhcm.com/benefits/) - [Employee Experience](https://threadhcm.com/employee-experience/) - [Human Resources](https://threadhcm.com/human-resources/) - [Learning Management](https://threadhcm.com/learning-management-system/) - [Payroll](https://threadhcm.com/payroll/) - [Predictive People Analytics](https://threadhcm.com/predictive-people-analytics/) - [Time](https://threadhcm.com/time/) #### Want to Partner? Want to see exactly how iSolved can work for your company? - [REQUEST A DEMO](https://threadhcm.com/demo/) - [HR Consulting Services](https://threadhcm.com/hr-consulting/) - [Brokers & Advisors](https://threadhcm.com/partners/) - More Helpful Links - [isolved Releases](https://blog.threadhcm.com/tag/isolved-releases) - [Contact](https://threadhcm.com/contact/) - [Careers at Thread](https://threadhcm.com/careers/) - [Company Culture](https://threadhcm.com/culture/) - [Our Team](https://threadhcm.com/team/) - [The Daily Thread Blog](https://blog.threadhcm.com/) © 2025 Thread HCM. All Rights Reserved. - - -