Beyond the Bottom Line: The Power of Employee Engagement

"Employee Experience" and "Employee Engagement" are two buzzwords that have been floating around in the HR world for a while now. But what exactly do they mean, and how much do they impact employee productivity? Let's dive in!

Have you ever had that feeling of excitement to show up to work every day? It's like a long carnival ride that's continuously thrilling and fulfilling and that you never want to end! That's what I like to call the "Employee Experience" ?? ??

It's all about the vibe you get and feel. It starts with your first chat about the job and lasts long after you leave the company. Everything - from your job responsibilities to company culture, to benefits, to growth opportunities, to the workplace environment, and all that goes in between!

Now, "Employee Engagement" ?? is all about putting your heart and soul into your work. When you're engaged, you're not just punching in and out every day; you're connected to your job, your team, and your company. You feel a sense of purpose and pride in what you do, and that fuels your desire to give it your all.

So how do these two concepts relate to employee productivity?

Well, It's no secret that engaged employees are the most productive ??

When employees feel appreciated, listened to, and challenged in all the right ways, they're more likely to put in the extra effort to really excel in their roles. Plus, when they're happy, they're more likely to stick around for the long haul.

But here's the kicker: taking genuine care of the employees isn't just good for the company's bottom line; it's good for their well-being, too. When employees are stressed out and feel overworked or underappreciated, it can take a toll on their mental health. That can lead to burnout, absenteeism, and a whole host of other issues that, trust me, nobody wants!

Conversely, when employees feel supported, empowered, and fulfilled, their mental health is more likely to flourish, leading to increased engagement and productivity, and they're more likely to thrive. And when they're thriving, they're unstoppable! ?

So, how much of an impact do they actually have on productivity?

It's been proven that happy, healthy, and engaged employees are productive employees. And it's a game-changer for any business!

Pretty cool, right? ??

Recent studies have shown that employee engagement is absolutely a big deal! It makes people more productive, creative, and innovative, and when they're really into their work and having a good time doing it, it can actually make a huge impact on overall business performance. A win-win situation!

A study by Aon Hewitt found that companies who cultivate continuous employee engagement initiatives have 22% higher profitability and 21% higher productivity.

And it's not just the bottom line that's impacted - another survey and multiple studies by Glint showed that highly engaged teams have fewer quality defects, safety incidents, and lower turnover rates.

Even more, Forbes wrote a really interesting and insightful article about the connection between employee engagement and wellness. "Engaged employees are happier, more productive, and less likely to quit their jobs. Plus, promoting wellness in the workplace can reduce stress and boost productivity even more."

On the flip side, disengaged employees tend to be absent, tardy, or leave their job altogether more frequently. They also tend to be less productive and more likely to make mistakes, all of which can have a negative impact on the company's financial performance. Unfortunately, this means that companies must grapple with the "hidden costs" associated with disengaged employees. Big deal if you ask me! ??

Here are some examples of what I think can (and most likely will) happen:

Low-quality work: When employees are not motivated or committed, they may produce work that is not up to par. This can lead to missed deadlines and decreased productivity.

Lack of teamwork: Engaged employees tend to be more collaborative and willing to share ideas. But when employees are disengaged, they may not be as willing to work as part of a team, which can cause a breakdown in communication and teamwork.

Increased tension: Disengaged employees may be more likely to create conflict and tension in the workplace. They may become easily frustrated with colleagues and be more likely to complain or criticize.

Poor customer service: Engaged employees are proven to go above and beyond to provide excellent customer service. However, disengaged employees may not be as motivated to do so, which can result in lost customers and damage to the company's reputation in the long run.

Higher turnover: When employees are not engaged with their work, they may be more likely to leave the company. This can result in increased costs for recruiting and training new employees, as well as a loss of valuable knowledge and skills and poor employer branding that will hinder attracting good talent.

How can employers avoid those hidden costs?

Start by listening! like, really. Listening!

Talk to the employees, listen to their feedback, and implement meaningful changes as a result - if they're struggling with their boss or coworkers, if they need more clarity on their job responsibilities, or even just want to switch desks. Demonstrate that you value their opinions and that you're committed to enhancing the work environment by taking actionable measures to create a positive workplace culture.

But?Impromptu maintenance is only a small part of the big picture!

Leaders should be role models for their team by embodying the values and culture they seek to spread in everything they do, day in and day out!

They must make daily conscious efforts to invest in the employee experience and engagement and create an environment where everyone shares a common goal, feels supported, and feels empowered to speak up and be their unique selves.

Because when the people thrive, everyone wins! ??

Peace out! ???

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