The term accountability sometimes has a negative connotation. Some may think it’s an organization’s way to “catch” employees doing something wrong or ratting out underperforming co-workers. However, the truth is that accountability can do more than instill a sense of ownership in your employees. Find out how you can foster employee accountability to boost your organization’s productivity and morale.
Why Is Accountability Important in the Workplace?
Accountability is critical to foster an effective, productive culture. Lack of accountability can start with an employee who isn’t meeting their commitments and causing frustration to your team. It can also happen when employees start “accepting the unacceptable.” These behaviors can hurt the organization.
Here’s why you should start improving employee accountability within your company today.
Set Clear Expectations
Lack of accountability is rarely intentional. In most cases, it results from existing problems, such as unclear roles and responsibilities. According to Gallup research, only 47% of employees strongly agree they know what’s expected of them. One of the key productivity indicators is having a clear understanding of your responsibilities. Without this KPI, your employees may feel confused and dissatisfied at work.
If your business operates with vague expectations, there’s less accountability. Implied priorities can result in confusion or frustration over tasks and strain work relationships, potentially leading to distrust. A sense of ownership can help save you and your employees a lot of time and resources.
Boost Employee Morale
Recognizing and rewarding your subordinates who demonstrate accountability will inspire other employees to take ownership of their actions. It can also help reignite the passion of unmotivated staff, which can be a long-term problem if left unchecked. The world experienced around $500 billion annual loss due to a lack of employee engagement. By cultivating a culture of accountability, employees will feel more satisfied, happy and productive.
Help Meet Organizational Goals
Employee accountability fuels determination and commitment, enabling your team to commit themselves to the pursuit of success. This sense of obligation propels people to work with integrity, helping your organization achieve its goals quickly. Moreover, it can also reduce the risk of noncompliance.
How to Create a Culture of Accountability
Here’s how you can embed accountability in your organization.
Lead by Example
Take time to reflect before promoting accountability in your workplace. Are you demonstrating it at work? Are you doing what you’re supposed to do? Lastly, do you take responsibility for your actions?
Here are some signs you’re emulating accountability at work:
- Completing tasks on time
- Taking ownership of the decisions you make and not pointing fingers at your subordinates
- Facing challenges head-on without assuming someone will take responsibility
- Arriving at meetings on time to show respect for everyone else’s time
As a business owner, you should lead by example. The team will follow suit if you always own up to your mistakes and take responsibility for your decisions.
Use an Accountability Framework
Accountability frameworks like the RACI matrix can give the organization a clear picture of roles and responsibilities, promoting ownership of tasks. It consists of four levels:
- Responsible: This refers to those who should complete a set of tasks.
- Accountable: These people usually have the final say on a project. Managers commonly fall into this category.
- Consulted: Consultants, mentors and subject-matter experts should be consulted to ensure quality work.
- Informed: These individuals are kept updated regarding the project’s progress.
Use Geo Tracking
Geo-tracking is essential in industries where field workers play a significant role. It allows you to monitor your employers’ locations and activities, promoting adherence to schedules and better productivity since it lets them know they’re being observed.
Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Set measurable objectives, so you and your team can better track progress. Create KPIs that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART) to serve as your staff’s roadmap to success. These metrics help employees understand what they need to accomplish and improve to perform better.
Build Authentic Relationships
Around 66% of participants in a study reported lacking strong connections with their work colleagues. As a leader, you should be able to connect to your employees — know what makes them happy, their interests and their struggles. Provide emotional support if necessary to make them feel like they matter. When they feel like your organization is their safe space, it can increase engagement and accountability.
Champion Fair Treatment
Your staff is four times more likely to practice honesty and fairness when you treat your workforce equally. Prioritizing equal treatment promotes trust within the workplace. Ask your employees — preferably anonymously — if they see some people or roles as privileged or think you have “favorites.” Even if you don’t intend to show favoritism, you might be surprised that some people think otherwise.
Another important aspect of equity is respecting diversity and inclusion. Cultivate a workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected and supported.
Improve Employee Accountability in Your Company
Fostering a culture of accountability will improve various aspects of your company. It can boost your team’s morale, autonomy and sense of ownership, which they need to thrive.
Jack Shaw, editor of Modded and author of numerous articles on business success and self-improvement, seeks to inspire readers with his practical tips and strategies for growth. His writings can be found on HellaWealth, USCCG and more.
Employee accountability stock image by fizkes/Shutterstock
