Open Door Policy Creates a Revolving Door
You’ve probably heard about and support the open-door policy. It is a good idea. However, it is important to keep in mind that you’ll get what you advertise.
Nearly every organization will suggest that they have an open-door policy. This typically means that if you have a question, a problem, or need some help that you’ll be able to access other people by simply going to their work space and popping your question.
Sometimes there is concern about chain-of-command, transparency, and confidentially, yet the perception of the policy is still a good idea.
Revolving Door
Human resource professionals often tell me about their revolving door. They’ll suggest that people come in and out faster than a convenience store sells lottery tickets.
In addition, they may express that engaging in these visits takes hours off of each week and sucks the energy out of their soul.
Understandably, it can be rough.
What is most important to remember is that we get what we advertise.
As Advertised
When the organization promotes helping employees move towards healthier BMI values, then the vending area or the cafeteria should have appropriate foods to match.
If the culture of your workplace paints a picture of rush, rush, rush, then everyone will expect things to happen very fast.
If organizational leadership suggests that they support the core values of being patient and caring, then employees will expect to feel that from team members and supervisors.
Open-Door Policy
Your open-door policy is probably an excellent idea.
Keep in mind that if you start providing counselling services for mental health, finance, or family relationships you’ll get more of that. These things are very important but perhaps are best left for professionals in those fields through an EAP.
The Office Manager, Director of Procurement, or Maintenance Supervisor, are probably not on payroll to provide these services.
It is often easy to lose sight of the concept that we get what we advertise.
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
