Employee Engagement - The Heart of Organizations

Nowadays, companies are not only trying to make a profit and grow, not only to increase their financial returns and competitiveness, but also to increase their employee engagement and loyalty, which are their most important assets. So what is employee engagement and why is it so important? In short, employee loyalty can be defined as the emotional bond and sense of belonging that an employee feels towards their job, team and organization. This bond allows employees to be more comfortable and happy, while also experiencing less stress and contributing more to the organization they work for in the long run. However, since this is ultimately an emotional bond, if it is not nourished, it can weaken and even reach the point of breaking. In this article, we will seek answers to questions such as what employee loyalty means, why it is an important issue, how it can be measured and improved, and we will examine the approaches of some companies while doing so.

How Can We Define Employee Engagement ?

Employee engagement can be defined as the emotional and psychological bond that an individual feels for the organization they work for. This bond refers to the employees’ efforts towards the organization’s goals, their loyalty to their company, and their commitment to their jobs. It is observed that this emotional bond is closely related to elements such as employees’ satisfaction with their work, their adaptation to the company culture, and their belief in the future of the organization. Theories such as Maslow’s hierarchy of needs emphasize that people want to meet not only their material needs at work but also their psychological needs such as belonging and being valued. In this context, employee commitment not only increases job performance, but also positively affects employees’ general well-being, creating healthier and happier work environments. Below, we will examine some of the factors that affect employee commitment.

Why is Employee Engagement Important ?

The importance of employee engagement is better understood, especially in today's competitive world, and it stands out in the success of companies that provide it. Among the things that engaged employees provide to the institution they are a member of;

• They show higher performance: Employees who are wholeheartedly committed to their jobs produce more creative solutions and put in more effort.
• They increase customer satisfaction: They establish better relationships with customers and strengthen the reputation of the company. Keeping the reputation of the institution they are a part of high in the eyes of customers is an indispensable part of their goals.
• They create a positive work environment: Engaged employees establish better relationships with their colleagues and create a more positive work environment. This situation spreads to all employees within the institution, leading to an even greater impact.
• They leave their jobs less: Engaged employees are less likely to change jobs. This provides companies with significant cost savings. For example, Swedish software company SAS approaches its employees with a long-term perspective and supports their career development. In this way, employee turnover rate decreases and the company's knowledge is preserved.
• They are move willing to inoveate: Engaged employees are more willing to come up with new ideas and add value to the organization. They are more likely to go out of their way to seek out the new and different, rather than settle for what is available.
• They are natural ambassadors for a strong corporate culture: Engaged employees contribute to a strong company culture and embrace the values of the organization. For example, outdoor equipment retailer REI increases employee engagement by offering employees dividends and supporting volunteer activities. This strengthens the company’s culture and increases customer loyalty.

What Are the Strategies to Improve Employee Engagement ?

There are many factors that affect employee engagement. The leadership qualities of managers are at the forefront of these. Good communication with employees and their ability to create a supportive and motivating environment directly affect employee engagement. The work environment is also another factor that affects employee loyalty. However, it should not be seen only as physical working conditions. Factors such as relationships with coworkers, company culture and values affect employee engagement by ensuring that employees feel safe and valued at work. In addition, recognition and appreciation strengthen emotional bonds and provide psychological comfort, while financial rights also constitute supporting factors for employees to be motivated in terms of loyalty by meeting their needs. So what are the strategies that can be applied to improve and increase engagement ?

• Open and transparent communication: It is important for managers to communicate with employees regularly, provide information about company goals and strategies, answer employees' questions and take their feedback into consideration. For example, "LUV" Culture: Southwest Airlines' "LUV" (Love, Understanding, Value) culture makes communication within the company warm and friendly. Employees are encouraged to be respectful and understanding towards each other and customers.
• Employee development: Providing training and development opportunities for employees to develop their skills, supporting their career planning and giving them new responsibilities allows employees to develop themselves.
• Recognition and appreciation: Recognizing employees' achievements, thanking them and organizing special events to celebrate their achievements motivates employees.
• Flexible work arrangements: Flexible work arrangements that allow employees to balance their personal lives with their work lives allow employees to focus more on their work.
• Improving the work environment: Improving physical working conditions, strengthening relationships with coworkers and developing company culture make employees happier at work. For example, Google offices have a colorful, fun and creative design that is different from the traditional office concept. Facilities such as game rooms, massage parlors, gyms and free meals allow employees to have fun outside of work. Also with 20% Rule, Google gives employees the freedom to spend 20% of their working hours on their own personal projects. In this way, employees can use their creativity to develop new products and services.

As employees, although we put our mental and physical strength into the work we do, being aware that our hearts are also in the work we do is one of the most important awarenesses about employee loyalty. Organizations that realize this and increase this engagement will achieve long-term and sustainable success thanks to their most important assets, their employees.