How To Improve Employee Engagement in 2019

Without employees, your business would not exist.

But it’s not enough to just have your team turn up, do the bare minimum, and head home.

Your success as a business owner depends on having employees that are fully engaged with your business and are invested in its success as much as you are.

When you are surrounded by a talented and motivated set of individuals you are positioning yourself to be successful, no matter what industry you are in.

 So, how do you create a team who are engaged and whose goals are aligned with yours?

 Here are 4 proven ways to improve employee engagement and hold on to the skilled workers in your business.

One - Create an environment that challenges people

According to a recent study, only 15% of employees worldwide are engaged by their jobs.

The simplest way to avoid your employees becoming jaded or disinterested is to provide ways to challenge them and help them grow, both professionally and personally.

This becomes valuable for both the individual and your business, as highly skilled staff will be able to apply these skills to your business operations and maximise your chance of success too.

Some examples of employee challenges may come in the form of training, seminars, mentoring or goal setting.

Two - Encourage flexibility

Providing a level of autonomy to your employees can allow them to adjust their work schedules accordingly.

This empowers them to create schedules that work to their strengths, thus boosting productivity.

While many businesses assign supervisors to micro-manage and monitor employee workloads, this can actually inhibit productivity and stifle creativity.

This is backed by a recent report on Flexible Work Practices in Australia with 97% of working professionals saying that flexibility helps to attract talent, retain talent and improve productivity.

Examples of flexible working practices may include:

• Allowing staff to work from home
• Allowing staff to change their working hours
• Allowing staff to provide input to their tasks and responsibilities

Three - Provide opportunities for progression

One of the most common mistakes managers and supervisors make is to provide superficial perks over tangible opportunities for growth, whether in existing roles or across alternate departments.

Employees ultimately want chances to learn and grow, with the possibility of increased responsibility and career progression a key consideration for staff. This is particularly the case for millennials who value meaningful career growth.

This is reinforced by Living Consciously psychotherapist and mental health practitioner, Wendy Corliss, who provides valuable insight into the state of the modern employee, saying; “In the first quarter of 2019 I’ve seen an upswing in young working professionals expressing dissatisfaction with their working lives. There is a clear desire to be stimulated at work and have access to avenues for growth and change.”

By crafting a framework for upskilling that offers the chance to progress into new roles you will be creating the conditions for optimal employee engagement.

Four - Show gratitude

Sometimes the most effective way to keep your employees engaged is to simply let them know they are doing well and that you value their contribution.

A “Thank You” can go a long way in making people feel like they are a part of a team culture. And beyond any tangible expression of gratitude, it’s the culture you create that will play a pivotal role in helping you attract and retain the type of talented employees who can help you move the dial.

HR Manager at Paperclip Digital, Emma Grasso, agrees and has implemented a new appreciation policy to show staff they are valued.

“We set aside time each Friday to shine a spotlight on each team member. We’ll share their weekly highlight and let them experience first-hand the gratitude of upper management. Outside of any measurable metrics, it’s become something our employees truly look forward to, and that’s validation for us.”

Final Thoughts

When it comes to making your employees feel engaged and aligned with the goals of your business, the secret is...there is no secret at all.

Treat your staff the way you would want to be treated if you were in their position. And make it a habit to check in with them regularly to hear first-hand what they’d like to see more of.

Communication doesn’t cost a thing but it has the potential to transform your company culture.

Challenge your team, allow them to have some autonomy, provide actionable ways to progress, and show them your appreciation.

Tick these 4 important boxes and you’ll have happy employees who don’t just work for you but work with you too.

Author Bio:

Richard Maloney is the Founder and CEO of Engage & Grow Global. He is passionate about helping people thrive. Richard knows what you need. He believes in a good healthy working environment. Interpersonal relationships is of importance to Richard. When he is not busy with work and business, he is often seen outdoors with family. If you need more information about how to enhance your company relations, you can contact Richard [email protected] or visit his website at www.engageandgrowglobal.com.