Your Path to Enduring Employee Engagement: A Journey Worth Taking Now

Solving Employee Engagement Problems: Strategies for Founders, C-Suite Executives, and HR Leaders

According to Gallup , 70% of employee engagement is influenced or controlled by managers, highlighting the significant role leadership plays in shaping the engagement landscape. The success of any organization hinges on the commitment and productivity of its workforce. Gallup's findings also reveal that organizations with high employee engagement experience 21% higher profitability, 17% higher productivity, and 10% better customer ratings. Yet, engagement remains a persistent challenge for many leaders. As a founder, C-suite executive, or HR leader, how can you effectively address this issue and foster a more engaged and motivated team?

This is where my expertise comes into play. With decades of experience in executive and organization development, I've shaped my career to help leaders unlock the full potential of their teams. As the author of The People Dividend: Leadership Strategies for Unlocking Potential (arriving in October) and host of The People Dividend podcast, I've worked with select organizations to transform their workplace cultures and drive exceptional performance. My insights are grounded in participatory decision-making approaches that get leaders and their teams further and faster than they could have dreamt.

Practical Strategies to Boost Engagement

1. Foster Open Communication

Encourage a culture of transparency where employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns. Regularly solicit feedback and act on it to show that their voices matter. I ascribe to these maxims in organizational life: 1) if it can be found out, it will be found out, and 2) lying diminishes integrity, erodes trust, making managers unworthy of follower-ship, and 3) clear vision is essential to drive growth.

2. Recognize and Reward Contributions

Acknowledge your team's hard work and achievements. Implement a recognition program that celebrates small and large accomplishments, fostering appreciation and motivation. Don't forget the element of surprise and creating positive associations and memories.

3. Invest in Professional Development

Provide opportunities for growth and learning. Offer training programs, workshops, and mentorship to help employees advance their skills and careers. The best bosses and clients I've worked with looked out for my professional development. They encouraged me to bring my best.

4. Promote Effective Work-Life Blend

Support flexible working arrangements and encourage employees to take time off when needed. A healthy work-life balance leads to happier, more productive employees. Imagine how close we are to the four-day workweek in the United States. And, consider how many more work remotely, at least a few days a week, compared to five years ago.

5. Create a Positive Work Environment

A workplace culture rooted in respect, inclusivity, and collaboration is essential for building a thriving team, whether your employees are in the office, remote, or part of a hybrid model. When employees feel respected and included, they are more likely to engage fully and contribute their best work. Encourage team collaboration by creating opportunities for cross-functional projects and open dialogue, both in-person and virtually. Ensure that remote employees have access to the tools and resources they need to stay connected and productive.

Leveraging Leadership Influence

As a leader, your actions and attitudes set the tone for the entire organization. By prioritizing employee engagement and implementing these strategies, you can create a thriving workplace where employees feel valued and motivated. Remember, the journey to unlocking potential and driving success starts with you.

For more insights and strategies on leadership and employee engagement, join the launch team for The People Dividend: Leadership Strategies for Unlocking Potential.

In addition, I welcome you to join The People Dividend Leadership Community, our new LinkedIn group. Our journey to unlocking potential and driving success starts now.