Is your workplace a democracy or dictatorship?

The results of a new Workplace Democracy Associaton/Zogby

Interactive survey have been released just in time for Independence Day.  Twenty five percent of Americans described

their workplace as a dictatorship.  Only

34% think that their boss reacts well to criticism.

like an absolute ruler?  Only 46% of

working Americans said their workplace promotes creative or inventive

ideas.  Democratic practices at work can

improve outcomes according to 80% of respondents who said that they work better

when they have freedom to decide how to do their work. 

principals that need to be checked at the employee entrance.  Free speech doesn’t work at work when it

creates a hostile environment.  Privacy

rights are also suspended when it comes to company documents and use of

electronic communication.  What goes on

the company server is company property. 

Dress codes are perfectly acceptable even if they stifle free

expression.

departments.  I had a group of employees

come to me once in my capacity as HR Director. They described a particular

employee as not pulling their weight. 

They had taken a vote and decided he should be fired.  I explained the process for performance

management and also told them that I hoped the next vote was not to oust the HR

Director. 

act.  Involved engaged employees are

certainly more productive and more likely to stay.  Keeping employees informed about company

results, activities and initiatives improves performance. Employee rights must mesh

with responsibilities to other employees, managers, owners, customers and

ultimately the results the organization needs to achieve.