Why is it important to be a good line manager? In these times of recession and budgetary control, isn’t it enough to simply offer employment?

The Larson Group, a global recruitment company, points out a number of advantages to making sure that you adopt good practices: ‘Being a good manager makes business sense. It helps a company attract and retain staff, improve productivity and benefit from the innovation and creativity of a vibrant and committed team. These things in turn mean the business is more likely to meet the demands and expectations of its clients and customers.’

Of course, it’s difficult to argue against this. So, what does it mean to be a good employer? Compliance with employment legislation alone does not make you good to work for and, equally, a consensual servant-like management style does not usually match the ideal either.

There is a balance to achieve.

Is it time that you had an employer MOT?