Employee engagement has become an increasingly popular topic of conversation among employers and HR professionals. Considering the fact that 1 in 3 employees are actively disengaged, you can see why it has become such a hot issue.
In today’s competitive environment, employee engagement is a key factor to driving your business’s success. Highly engaged employees can be the difference between a company that thrives and one that fails to grow.
Employers and HR managers are on the front lines of employee engagement. Although new employee engagement tactics may take time and effort to implement, the benefits of an engaged workforce are well worth the effort. In fact, studies have shown that engaged employees are eager and enthusiastic about their work, leading to higher productivity, greater profitability, superior customer service and lower turnover. So, how can you maximize employee engagement for your business? We’ve highlighted five strategies for keeping your employees committed and working hard. And best of all, it won’t cost you anything.
Even though this may seem obvious, people respond well to positive feedback and appreciation. In order for employees to stay motivated, they need to know that their efforts are being recognized.Rewards don’t have to be monetary. Regularly expressing gratitude toward employee efforts is a great way to demonstrate awareness for their work and can help provide incentives for employees to continue to work hard. A good recognition and reward program should offer your employees three things: a fair return for their efforts on the job; motivation to continue improving their performance; and clarification on what behaviors are valued by the company.
Although at times it may seem difficult for managers to break the ‘leader-follower’ mentality, it can be detrimental to workplace productivity. When employees don’t feel empowered at work, they are less likely to take initiative on projects and their quality of work may suffer.To allow employees to feel empowered, managers must be willing to take a step back and trust their employees. When employees are able to work in a flexible environment where they are given the ability to problem solve creatively and given a goal to actively work toward, the benefits can be monumental. Studies have shown that empowered employees are more productive, more willing to collaborate with others, are highly satisfied, and produce higher quality work.
This important factor is often overlooked by employers. Ask yourself this question: “Do my employees have the right tools to succeed in their roles?” In order to work quickly and effectively, employees need to be given the right equipment and need to be operating in an efficient environment.
A company operating with a cumbersome or slow infrastructure can leave employees feeling frustrated and will ultimately affect engagement. When company infrastructure and processes are simplified, employees are able to work more efficiently and be more productive.
A common complaint among disengaged workers is that their employers have failed to make opportunities for advancement clear to them, forcing them to look for other opportunities outside the company. Undoubtedly, a well thought out growth plan provides employees with goals and clear direction on how to expand their skillset and advance within the company.
When implemented correctly, a growth plan helps make the workplace more knowledgeable and effective by attracting the right employees and helping them realize their full potential.
It probably goes without saying, but a strong employer-employee relationship plays a crucial role in a company’s success. Building relationships with employees establishes mutual trust which, in turn, allows employees to feel they can communicate more openly with management.
By establishing mutual trust and open lines of communication between management and employees, you’ll create a sound and positive work environment. A more pleasant atmosphere at work will not only boost employee morale, it can increase loyalty and reduce conflict in the workplace.
Make sure you have an engaged and committed team
By implementing effective employee engagement strategies, you can create a motivated, satisfied workforce that works hard for you—saving you valuable resources in the long run.
