In an ideal world, you’d get the best out of every employee on a daily basis. Fortunately, you can! Well, just about, anyway. The secret lies in your ability to keep employees engaged. While it’s normal for workers to have an “off-day” every now and then, Gallup research finds that engaged employees are 21 percent more productive than disengaged employees.
So, what’s this mean for your business? Well, a more efficient workforce for one. But studies also show that engaged employees work better in teams, are able to come up with more innovative ideas, and are more committed to making sure your business is achieving its goals. If this sounds like the ideal type of employee for your organization, consider the following tips to increase engagement levels.
Perhaps one of the easiest ways to get employees more engaged is to strengthen your relationship with them. Typically, people are more inclined to strive for goals that benefit a person or organization they favor. Make an effort to see your employees as individuals; learn about their families, backgrounds, and personal goals. This helps employees feel like you value and care about them. Research shows that employees who feel valued at their organizations tend to be more engaged and determined to contribute toward their employer’s success.
It can be difficult for employees to be effective at their jobs when they are unsure about certain aspects of their work. It’s common for managers to be transparent about the overarching goals for their teams, but less transparent about how each individual is expected to be a part of that goal. This is especially common for new employees who are less familiar with their roles and may feel reluctant about speaking up when they have questions. You’ll get the best results out of your employees if you take the time to outline what’s expected of them, clarify how their performance is being monitored, and allow them the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.
Most employees are more capable than we give them credit for. Many come from impressive backgrounds and possess excellent interpersonal skills — this is competency they should be awarded for. However, there are still so many things employees do which don’t require their full cognitive potential. Certain tasks, like creating a report or recording data, consist of long hours performing repetitive work. The monotony of this type of work can cause employees to zone out (making their work more susceptible to error) and become less engaged. As a HR manager, speak with different departments to see if there are any web-based tasks that can be automated. Calamari helps you automation of leave management and attendance tracking. Any extra time you can save for a single employee, is time that can be dedicated to something more important and engaging.
A little positive reinforcement goes a long way. No matter what your line of work is, success doesn’t come easily. It’s a lot to ask teams to work long hours, maintain meticulous attention to detail, and deliver the highest quality work day in and day out. When employees are doing this, it’s imperative to recognize that behavior. Words of affirmation (even a simple “good job” or “thank you” can do) let employees know that their efforts are recognized, and they’ll feel more motivated to continue to give you their best. This encouragement is exactly what most employees need to feel valued, and in turn, more engaged.
Recognition doesn’t just end with compliments. Every now and then, it’s nice to unwind with coworkers in a relaxed setting where you can get to know them on a personal level (happy hour anyone?). Holding frequent social gatherings doesn’t just break up the routine of life at work, but can also lead to important conversations and outside-the-box ideas that can help drive your company forward. Mind you, these gatherings don’t necessarily have to consist of a company-sponsored happy hour every week. Even the occasional lunch outing can strengthen the comradery you have with your teams and their levels of engagement as a result.
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