Activity 3.1 | Working from the Heart: Building Relationships with Employees

The program leader or manager can model a welcoming attitude with a friendly greeting and positive comments when staff arrive or depart for the day. Ensuring that space is available for breaks where staff can relax, eat lunch or have a quiet conversation is essential. Sometimes someone may need privacy if overwhelmed with emotions. The manager may also consider having a list of support resources. When staff feel their needs are supported their sense of belonging to the team increases.

Relationship building requires some shared activities. Schedule staff meetings when everyone can be available. Plan occasional gatherings to celebrate milestones. If a special event is coming up in the centre, send two staff together to shop for supplies so they can share the duties. Organize a training session where all staff can attend and learn together. Encourage contributions that can be shared such as extra garden produce, baking, or books and articles, but without pressure. Everyone has different gifts to contribute; an employee should never feel forced.  Many educators take photos as part of their day; put up a bulletin board to share them. They create conversation and memories. The photos tell stories of relationships between people and the environment.