In today’s competitive business world employee engagement is an essential element in creating a positive work culture and a productive workforce. Organizations with engaged employees perform better than those without. This is the reason employee engagement gets top precedence in the workplace strategy.
When employees feel engaged, appreciated and considered a part of something bigger than just a “job,”. They feel happier and strive to be more productive. A recent Gallup study found that organizations with high employee engagement rates are 21% more productive.
Fortunately, there are many ideas and activities that actually work for your company to boost employee engagement. By adopting practices that support these goals, you’ll realize the many benefits of an engaged workforce.
1. Recognize Employees
First, employees not only want good pay and benefits; they also want to be treated fairly. They want to make a substantial contribution to the organization through their work, and to be valued and appreciated for their efforts. To show appreciation, many employers implement ongoing recognition programs designed to thank employees for a variety of achievements.
In an era of increasing competitiveness for top talent, a well-managed recognition program can provide valuable help for employers that must use every available means to attract and retain the best employees and keep them engaged and productive.
2. Support Employee Development
Second, employee development is almost universally recognized as a strategic tool for an organization’s continuing growth, productivity and ability to retain valuable employees. If organizations neglect certain challenges, then the employee development process will be cumbersome for the organization, frustrating for employees and of uncertain value for both. Most of employee need a career development, then, give them what they need! That way, you can increase employee engagement because they get more of what they want.
3. Include Employee in Decision Making
Third, your staff can be an invaluable source of knowledge and expertise. They understand the company well, and the processes and realities of the work you do. The viewpoints and opinions of those on the ground can be incredibly useful in making effective decisions about your business.
Employees may be able to identify factors you wouldn’t otherwise have considered, and predict possible issues which may arise, helping address concerns early on and improving the chances of success of decisions the company may make.
There is plenty of evidence that morale is higher amongst employees who are involved in decision-making. People can see that they can make a difference, they feel involved, see how they contribute to the goals of the organisation and feel empowered to influence their workplace. All this leads to increased engagement and satisfaction with their job and with the company as a whole.
4. Prioritize Work-Life Balance
A good work-life balance, said Chris Chancey, career expert and CEO of Amplio Recruiting, has numerous positive effects, including less stress, a lower risk of burnout and a greater sense of well-being. This not only benefits employees but employers, too.
“Employers who are committed to providing environments that support work-life balance for their employees can save on costs, experience fewer cases of absenteeism, and enjoy a more loyal and productive workforce,” said Chancey. Employers that offer optionsas telecommuting or flexible work schedules can help employees have a better work-life balance.
5. Focus on Feedback
Employee feedback is an incredibly powerful tool. If offered properly, it has the ability to grow and develop the people of your organization, improve the levels of trust and communication, and strengthen employee engagement between employees and managers.
You might not be surprised to learn lack of communication contributes to about 80% of workplace issues. While giving and receiving feedback can at times be uncomfortable, when embraced and structured, feedback becomes one of the strongest processes in driving success, productivity and collaboration. We’ve all been on the frustrating and demoralizing end of poor feedback practices. Therefore, it is important to giving your employee feedback.
6. Provide Mentorship
Mentoring is a formal or informal relationship established between an experienced, knowledgeable employee and an inexperienced or new employee. The purpose of a mentor is to help the new employee quickly absorb the organization’s cultural and social norms.
Mentorship helps the continuing employee grow in their current position and become ready for new jobs and career opportunities. Mentoring can also assist an employee, new to a specific job or area of responsibility, to quickly learn what they need to know to succeed in their job and role. This will benefit both the company and the employees themselves.
7. Breed Meaningful Connection
Work relationships are incredibly important to employee well-being. It’s about more than just “getting along” with a co-worker. As humans, we crave contact and connection with other people. Unfortunately, for many employees, work can be a very lonely place. And while you’re probably familiar with the phrase, “I’m here to work, not to make friends,” it’s important for employers to understand just how important social connections in the workplace really are.
Employee connection is more than just social engagement. It is a shared vision, mission, and values of a company. Employee connection creates a company culture that is not only inclusive but also provides a true sense of belonging and promotes progressive ideas, innovation, and thus business growth. Such company culture is infectious and develops employees that enjoy their work, approach it with urgency, enthusiasm, and in a proactive manner. So, treat them with family-like environment!
8. Keep Employees Informed
Employees who do not know (or understand) what is happening within their own company are typically less engaged, less productive, and don’t serve the needs of customers as well. Unaware, ignorant and unknowledgeable employees are also less likely to be effective advocates of your company online in your employee advocacy programs.
When your employees are informed, they’re more likely to stay engaged and motivated in their work. Letting them know what’s expected of them, how the company is faring and their own personal performance is key to ensuring a prosperous atmosphere and the overall success of your business.
9. Hire The Right People
The last one, we cannot stress enough that there is never one-size-fits-all solution to anything, which is also true when it comes to hiring the right employees. Each and every company needs something completely different. A star employee in one organization might not necessarily be equally as successful in another company or even a team. The individual experience, interests, personality and values of your potential best talent need to be in sync with the purpose of your company and what it stands for.
Another important factor is to acknowledge that you do not know everything. Always listen to your employees who might know better than you do. You simply cannot be an expert in everything. Thus, it is vital to surround yourself with people with different strengths, who are experts in what they do. Additionally, inspire your staff to learn, admit they might not always have the right answers and even fail.
Read more : 7 Proven Ways to Improve Employee Productivity
