Achieve 100% Employee Engagement Today

On top of all of the social distancing and isolation, people working from home are struggling to remain vitally committed to their jobs. Dismal employee engagement plagues many companies at any time, although recent research by Gallup and others shows an uptick. See below.

However, the engagement numbers are still pitifully and ridiculously low with only 35% actively engaged in the US. Worldwide the 'highly engaged' figure is 15%. These low numbers cost organizations billions, slows the economy and are incredible wasters of human talent. This is a crisis, too, of epidemic proportions.

Some think that with the coronavirus pandemic, employee engagement is higher than ever. I don't agree because with this crisis, companies are forced into a mode that pressures them to change to keep and attract employees. It isn't being done out of the goodness of their hearts.

For example consider these situations

• The May Day strike of Amazon, Target, Walmart, Instacart and others. Front-line employees are concerned about demanding work schedules, the lack of safety and improper social distancing. Yes, some of these organizations are providing bonuses, masks and gloves. Yet the fact remains that their front-line employees are the lowest paid, and now are scared for their health. Yet, they go to work because they have no other income and have to in order to survive. The companies say that only a few employees are involved. Yet, if a few are involved, many more are concerned about it but not saying anything because they of fear.
• The Meatpacking plants are a debacle. Working conditions are often poor (inches apart), lunchrooms are crowded, sanitation is inconsistent, and communication with workers is poor. Hundreds are getting sick. Employees seem to be the last thing on the minds of these organizations. Production was the goal. Now, the government is stepping in and telling them what to do to keep people safe or they have to shut the plants and, therefore, erasing incomes.
• Healthcare worker's situations are even more unprecedented and desperate. Many have been warned not speak out about their work environment. Resources are thin, decisions impossible to make at times on who to help and when and with what. Conflicts naturally arise between medical personnel in dealing with this. Yet most are caring and kind in doing their jobs the best they can, helping the sick and dying. They courageously show up daily even though they are faced with significant personal health risks and at times uncooperative hospitals and administrators.

We have known about this virus since January. Quarantines began in Feb/Mar depending on where you live. The health concerns and needed precautions are described in the media or by governments daily. Yet the organizations above only began to act "above and beyond" to help employees as they complained or became sick. Why wasn't more help provided right away in January? In addition, do they need the government telling them how to help their employees?

It's time for 100% Employee Engagement

How many employees go to work in the morning and say to themselves, "I am a puke and slug and I hope they fire me by NOON?" Most people have pride in their work and want to do a good job. They hope to get a raise or promotion to have a better standard of living. With consistent support and encouragement this is possible. I am inspired by the commitment of employees in retail, the meatpacking industry, healthcare and the supermarkets. They are heroes!

It's time, isn't it, to tap the incredible power of people? This is about revolutionizing leadership thought and practice. In manufacturing, the goal is called Zero Defects. This means that there should not be any mistakes; every product should be produced right the first time. This equals 3.4 defects per million opportunities. What if managers could lead their teams right the first time and there were no more than 3.4 dissatisfied employees per million? Let's make "100% Engagement" the goal for human beings.

The greatest influence on an employee's performance is their direct supervisor. Research and practical experience demonstrates that good communication, training, recognition, clear goals/expectations, feedback loops and coaching support are all ingredients to higher employee engagement. Certainly, company leaders must foster a people-first culture and invest heavily in developing competent management to carry it out.

Go for It!

The crisis demonstrates that people--human beings-- are the greatest resource of a company. If they are disenchanted or sick not much good happens. The products and buildings are useless. It comes down to leadership commitment. This isn't projected by a series of policies or practices. It's about values--empathy and caring for people. Real--servant--leadership involves relationships and partnerships, not reporting structures and policies. Why not get started on achieving 100% Employee Engagement Today?

Do you want more insight on employee engagement? See this training video: How to Create Employee Engagement: 4 Methods that Work.

Also, for additional complimentary resources see this: How to Motivate-- NO-- People: 10 Keys to Employee Engagement.

RCI has helped clients gain 48 Quality Service Awards. It all begins with the employee experience. Do you want better results? Contact RCI Consulting, Coaching and Training.