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Two-way care: Fostering a collaborative and productive workplace

Within a healthy and productive workplace, the relationship between employers or leaders and employees forms the backbone of a thriving culture.

This is nowhere more important than when it comes to the world of real estate.ย 

The latest ABS data shows real estate services has seen one of the highest increases in job mobility in the country rising from 7.2 per cent to 10.2 per cent as frustrated and burnt out professionals decide to leave the industry.

Employees want to feel valued and leaders want to be supported by the team underneath them and this is why the concept of two-way care is so important.

Two-way care is a professional relationship that embodies mutual commitment, respect, and support, fostering an environment where success, wellbeing, and growth intersect harmoniously.

Two-way care sets out the accountability and respect that both leaders and employees uphold to maintain a nurturing, conducive work environment.

It means a reciprocal commitment to each other’s success and wellbeing, establishing a workplace where both parties feel supported, valued, and empowered, ultimately returning significant results.

Here are the key points real estate agency leaders might want to consider when it comes to improving two-way care and increasing job satisfaction as well as employee retention:

Employer/leader responsibility

Employers and leaders have the responsibility of creating a workplace that promotes psychological and physical safety.

This entails providing clear expectations, comprehensive training, and development opportunities, ensuring fair compensation and benefits, and extending support for wellbeing, including flexible working options that enable effective management of work and life commitments.

Employee perspective on two-way care

From an employee standpoint, embracing two-way care involves adhering to established policies and procedures, maintaining ethical conduct, and being accountable for delivering on set expectations.

It further entails taking ownership of personal well-being while engaging in respectful communication and collaboration across all organisational levels.

The vital role of two-way feedback

Two-way feedback serves as a foundation when cultivating an environment of mutual care.

It’s not solely about receiving feedback but also actively embracing it and taking meaningful action.

Leaders who are receptive to feedback not only enhance their leadership but also set an example for employees, fostering trust within the team.

A culture of trust fosters an environment devoid of egos, facilitating growth in team dynamics, results, and relationships.

Cultural pillars: Empathy, respect and open communication

Fostering a culture embedded in empathy, respect, and open communication is imperative for nurturing two-way care in the workforce.

Empathy creates understanding, respect nurtures trust, and open communication cultivates transparency, collectively fostering an environment where individuals feel heard, valued, and supported.

Both leaders and employees are integral pieces that form a workplace.

In the high stakes and often stressful world of real estate it can be easy to lose sight of the benefits of two-way care.ย 

When both parties embrace their roles, fulfilling their respective accountabilities, it lays the groundwork for a  successful and productive workplaceโ€”an ecosystem where well-being, productivity, and mutual respect intertwine to propel individuals and the organisation toward collective success.

Two-way care isn’t just a concept; it’s the catalyst that fuels growth, resilience, and prosperity within a workplace, creating a community where everyone thrives.

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Anne Crarey

Anne Crarey is the Executive General Manager - Property Services at Little Real Estate.