Everyone seeks security in one form or another. At home, you want to make sure that your family can sound asleep without worrying about any danger. It is supposed to be the place where safety is expected. You do not want to leave any holes unplugged or weaknesses exposed. For this reason, the house needs to have its alarm system repaired and maintained regularly. This is your initial line of defense in the unlikely chance that you encounter someone who has bad intentions.
In a business organization, the employees are considered their lifeblood. They, too, seek a different type of security. This can be given to them by way of a good office environment and a secured future. An important part of the former is what they call an open-door policy. This is an avenue for anyone to voice out their opinions, suggestions, and complaints. What makes it integral to any company?
Someone Who Listens
At the workplace, employees mostly only interact with their colleagues. But no environment is perfect. There will be differences no matter what, and this will become apparent as time goes on. With this as a fact, there is a great chance that there will be instances of conflict or tension between different parties. This may or may not be intentional, but it will happen regardless. Some may handle issues differently from the others. Those who chose not to take any action tend to keep to themselves, and this could result in pent-up anger and frustration. This is not good for their mental health, and it could cause more problems if left unchecked.
Having an open-door policy allows people who like to approach things diplomatically and through a process. They do not have to keep their thoughts to themselves. If they feel offended or something is wrong, they should know where to go if they need to speak up. This adds a layer of security and comfort in the workplace.
At Your Side
Sticking to the topic of workplace conflict, that always results in the creation of bickering parties. It can get uncomfortable for someone who is trying to be neutral because the can get sucked into it no matter what they do. All sides will lobby to get your attention, and it even becomes difficult to not pick sides. An open-door policy presents a position that has no bias for any party. They should make people who do not want to dip their toes into the existing chaos feel protected if they choose to make a stand against it.
Actions Expected
If an employee feels that things have not been effective at the office and change is needed, they should have someone they can to turn to when they want to give their suggestions. Although that is not expected to be approved in the first instance, if any problem grows large enough in that it affects the work environment significantly, those who reach out will expect actions to be done to alleviate or have a definite fix for the problem. An open-door policy can serve as the catalyst for future amendments to policies and rules around the organization.
Having an open-door policy means that an organization wants to do the best for their employees. This is an avenue for the employees to air out grievances and opinions of the company. If put to good use, it can help refine and transform the workplace into its most ideal form.
