In today’s economic landscape, organizations are challenged more than ever to compete and succeed, struggling to grow faster with fewer resources, doing more with less. Employers need to perfect the art of balancing team management and meeting their goals and objectives simultaneously. Employee engagement can have a significant impact on the results.
When employees are complacent with their job, they are present, handle their day to day responsibilities and do not seek employment elsewhere. Though satisfaction is generally enough to retain employees and keep turnover down, it’s not enough to ensure a high level of productivity as individual performance will rarely increase and cause a company to fall short of its full potential.
When employees are engaged, not only do they look forward to their job, they go the extra mile, work with passion, continuously look for ways they can better serve their organization, make recommendations for improvements and do not hesitate to assist fellow coworkers. These employees are the ones who will drive innovation and move your business forward.
Employees are a primary asset but only if the majority are fully engaged. If not, they are effectively impairing the organization. So, while companies should focus on ensuring their employees are satisfied with the work they’re doing, they should be more concerned with increasing and improving employee engagement.
A Gallup study showed that engaged employees outperform competition by as much as 202% and highly engaged business teams result in 21% greater profitability. Aberdeen reported that companies with engaged employees see 233% greater customer loyalty and a 26% greater annual increase in revenue.
However, according to the latest State of the American Workplace report, only 33% of US employees are engaged at work. Addressing this group and getting them engaged, is the most efficient and effective strategy to increase performance and sustainable long-term growth.
Equip them with the Right Tools
Everything is possible if you have the right attitude and the right tools. Employee skills are essential to business performance, but they also need to be properly equipped. If their workflow is impeded and they struggle to accomplish their goals due to inadequate resources, their productivity and morale is drained.
In addition to the right equipment, software and supplies, they also need education and support to ensure they are reaping the maximum benefits of all resources. Tools should meet specific needs to optimize workflow and be accompanied with training and professional development programs to show workers that the company is dedicated to investing in their future.
Employees are more apt to engage if they know the company is committed to them by investing in their future.
Help Clarify and Manage Goals
For optimal performance, it is essential for employees to understand what duties, responsibilities, goals and objectives are expected of them. Even the most highly competent employee may fail to achieve their highest level of performance if they are confused about responsibilities, priorities and goals.
The more complex and multifaceted the job, the more difficult it is to define and prioritize what needs to be done. Such confusion results in frustration, misdirected efforts and discontent.
Clarifying goals and responsibilities, coupled with consistent follow up on status and progress is vital if you intend to increase employee engagement within your organization.
Encourage Collaboration
Collaboration is another important aspect for organizations to focus on improving. Collaborating helps cultivate better ideas, promotes cross education, encourages teamwork and is intrinsically inspiring because it has an emotional payoff.
When the company environment continues to foster development and encourages collaboration, team members naturally feel synergistic and thrive.
Increase Communication & Transparency
The practice of maintaining honest, open lines of communication regarding company operations, with employees is directly correlated with higher morale, engagement and thus, productivity.
Effective communication is impossible without transparency and accountability. Trust is an essential prerequisite which can’t be achieved without genuine dependability and cooperation among peers.
Transparent communication is exemplified by involving employees in decision-making, providing substantial, accurate and useful information and the organization being accountable for their words and actions. When organizations demonstrate transparent communication, employees feel encouraged, confident and involved. Therefore, transparent communication ultimately fosters trust among employees toward their organizations. The more transparent you are, the more employee trust you earn.
There are many ways to make your employees feel valued and increase satisfaction. Make it clear that you support their need for evolvement and provide the resources and environment to do so. Creating a growth-focused environment inspires employees to be engaged, enthusiastic, committed and productive, thus more valuable to your organizational success!