Accountability in the Workplace

As a continuation of last week's article on responsibility and accountability at work we are going to continue with Part 2 of this article which can be read in it's entirety through this link.

I will be making some changes in the article to emphasize the parts that are more relevant to our office.

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What is Accountability in the Workplace?

Accountability in the Workplace is:

• the responsibility the employees have to complete the tasks they are assigned

• to perform the duties required by their job, and

• to be present for their proper shifts in order to fulfill or further the goals of the organization.

If tasks are not completed and functions of the job are not performed properly, then that employee will also be responsible for dealing with the repercussions.

Examples of Accountability in the Workplace:

• Employees being present for their entire required shift

• Employees completing any tasks that have been designated to them

• Employees being responsible for the specific duties that go along with their job

• Employees being consistent in doing the right thing in all aspects pertaining to their job

• Employees working together towards a common goal for the business

Why is Workplace Accountability Important?

Accountability at work is important to a business’s success as a whole. Every employee, no matter what level of seniority is equally responsible for aiding in the success of the company. In order to achieve the goals of the company, long and short term, it is important that all people within the company work together and share accountability.

Employees who work together towards the same overall goal help their workplace to become more accountable, in turn make the business more productive and efficient.

SMART Goals – A great way to foster accountability in the workplace is to have your employees set SMART goals for themselves.

SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Results-oriented and Time-bound. Having goals that meet these criteria will allow the employees to feel more able in the work they are doing. It is a way to measure their own productivity.

What is a SMART goal that you can set up for yourself?

Prioritization: One reason why employee accountability dwindles, is because employees struggle to balance tasks and goals and eventually become overwhelmed and unable to complete their tasks on time. As a manager of a business, it is important to help your employees prioritize their responsibilities in relation to your company’s overall goals. Helping to prioritize will allow your employees to feel more organized and competent in the tasks they are assigned.

Do you struggle with Prioritization?

Monitor Progress: Monitoring your employees’ progress will help motivate them to be more productive and accountable. It is only natural that when we know someone is watching our progress that we will try to perform to our best abilities. Along with monitoring employee progress, it is equally important to share progress reports with them so they may learn what areas need more attention and what areas they are excelling in.

How would you like to see your work monitored and how often would you like to see progress reports?

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We want to start implementing things that will foster a culture of accountability in the workplace. What would you like to see? Please answer our Questionnaire HERE