Employee Engagement

In all organizations, big and small, the challenge is to keep all the employees connected and engaged. A 2017 Gallup survey called “State of the Global Workforce” indicated that only 15% of workforce are engaged in the workplace.

What this means is a majority of the workforce are either viewing their workplace negatively or doing the bare minimum to get through their day. Employee engagement is more important than ever. It has a dramatic impact on the behaviors of the employees. For example, it would make an average employee exceed expectations and an employee with bad attendance become punctual. More importantly, it has a huge impact reducing the turnover in the organization. Let’s be honest – it is not easy to keep front-line workers happy and engaged all the time. However, it should not discourage organizations by not putting enough effort in this direction.

Changing jobs isn’t all about money. Younger employees may accept a lower wage as long as they get a chance to work at a place that engages them constantly. Employee engagement is not a one-time activity. It has to have a continuity that builds trust amongst the employees. A report shows 84% of the employees who are engaged or recognized tend to go over and beyond their expectations.

The following tips are just a few very important employee-engagement activities:

• Help employees get to know each other. Creating a strong bond is critical. Organize a lunch with people in different departments. Encourage people to mingle.

• Start a mentorship program. The most rewarding thing is to help others. Provide opportunities for employees to grow.

• Encourage Health and Wellness. It’s tough to go to work when you aren’t feeling well. Provide funds for any activity that makes a person feel good for example Gym Membership, Massage therapist.

• Onboarding. Engagement starts on day one, by making sure new hires have excellent experience during the onboarding process. Be clear about responsibilities and goals.

• Recognize employees. Mention key employees in newsletters or press releases when appropriate.

• Celebrate accomplishments. Broadcast achievements of employees to the entire organization.

• Ask for employees’ engagement ideas.

• Cross Training. Give the employees an opportunity to learn a new skill.

• Promote within. Promoting employees from within keeps employees motivated. It sends a signal to others that there are opportunities to move up within the organization.

Employees are the most valuable resource for any company.

Employee engagement directly affects a company’s performance and productivity. Hence, it is very important to motivate and engage employees to improve the performance of a business.

• Category: Employee Excellence, HQ News