What is Open Door Policy?

An open door policy is when senior authorities like managers or CEOs leave their doors open for employees to communicate. This policy allows employees to persuade their seniors of concerns and problems related to a workplace that needs a review.

A well-versed policy motivates seniors to hear out their employees. This helps seniors to manage issues brought forward by the employees and gives them suggestions against the same.

With the help of open door policy for employees, the traditional chain of command is broken and also breaks the barriers related to accessibility. In addition, it provides a gateway for open communication where employees can easily approach and discuss their problems without any hierarchy and where all workplace troubles are addressed efficiently.

Purpose of Open Door Policy

Implementing an open door policy in workplace creates clear and transparent communication between the employees and senior management. This creates equality among the organization and empowers the organization and its employees.

Elements of an Open Door Policy

When we talk about an open-door policy, these elements follow through every situation that occurs during working hours:

1. Complaints

2. Feedback

3. Asking for counseling

4. Ask for a resolution to a previously raised issue

5. Discuss personal topics

6. Safety and harassment issues

What you Achieve as an Organization After Implementing the Policy

1. Creating a culture of transparency and open communication between both parties creates employee engagement, boosts employee morale, and creates employee satisfaction.

2. Certainly, the policy in the workplace helps both the employees and senior management as it increases the problem-solving skills of the management and employees.

3. With the help of information feedback and positive interactions with a broader spectrum of management lead to the development of employee trust.

Responsibilities on Both Parties End

The policy is quite liberating and permits the freedom of communication channels; certain responsibilities are to be maintained at all times. 

Here are some key points to keep in mind 

1. Requesting a meeting time and date

2. Listening with empathy and compassion

3. Request consent before sharing private information with members who weren’t present at the meeting.

4. Make an effort to quickly and cordially resolve disputes at the same level.

5. Only escalate if the situation has come to a stall or standoff.

What is the Hierarchy of the Conversation

1. If it is a workplace issue with a colleague coming between your work and office space, approach your manager and have a conversation with them.

2. Accordingly, if the issue is regarding personal and physical safety, then you should approach your HR manager.

3. Also, if the issue is temporary and requires a short modification, speak with the manager before contacting the HR division.

4. Additionally, if it concerns a senior employee, then to safeguard the privacy of the matter, speak with HR directly.

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