According to a recent survey of executives, the biggest factor in employee job satisfaction is one's relationship with the boss. If an employee doesn't like his boss, he doesn't like the company. If managers are key to retaining good employees, then companies should spend time and money to train managers in enhancing their relationships with direct reports.

Many companies assume that people promoted to management come with the required people skills to do the job, but this is often not the case. Managers need to be trained on how to have effective workplace relationships. Training should go beyond the legal and HR issues, and include interpersonal management skills.

There are 3 basic requirements for effective workplace relationships: recognizing and accepting people's individual behavioral differences, verbal and nonverbal communication, and conflict management. Training should cover communication skills, including asking open questions, active listening, giving clear instructions, conveying expectations, giving feedback, and motivating employees.

Face-to-face management training should not be a one-time event, but ongoing. One expert recommends half day sessions once a month, so that managers have a chance to practice what they've learned and come back to discuss it.

Cost of training will vary, depending on how the material is delivered. Cost can be justified to senior management by demonstrating the cost of turnover and the higher productivity resulting from training. Customer service also tends to improve when employees are satisfied in their jobs.

It is crucial that the organizational culture support, not contradict, the skills that are being taught.