According to a 2021 report from Gallup, only 36% of employees in the U.S. are engaged. That’s more than double the global average of 15% reported by Gallup, but it’s still a pretty dismal number. The same report found that 48% of employees in the U.S. are actively disengaged, meaning they are unhappy at work, and likely to spread that unhappiness to their coworkers.
If you’re a manager or business owner, these numbers should concern you. Disengaged employees are less productive, less innovative, and more likely to leave your company. If you want to build a successful business, you need to find ways to increase employee engagement.
But how do you do that? What can you do to help your employees feel more connected to their work? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to these questions, but there are a few best practices that can help. Here are 14 ways to improve employee engagement.
1. Hire the right people
One of the most important parts of employee engagement is hiring the right people. If you hire employees who are a good fit for your company and your team, they are more likely to be engaged.
During the hiring process, ask questions to assess the candidate’s personality and how they work with others. You can also ask questions about their values and what they are looking for in a company.
If you are not sure if a candidate is a good fit for your company, consider using a tool like Predictive Index to assess their personality and work style.
When you hire the right people, you are setting the stage for a positive work environment and increased employee engagement.
2. Communicate your company’s purpose and mission
The modern employee wants to know that their job has meaning and that they’re contributing to something bigger than themselves. If they don’t, they’ll be more likely to disengage and look elsewhere for work.
To ensure that your employees know how their work contributes to the bigger picture, communicate your company’s purpose and mission. Make it a point to show employees how their work fits into the larger mission of your company.
You can do this by setting goals and objectives that align with your company’s mission and purpose. Then, when employees achieve those goals, celebrate the impact they’ve made on your company and its mission.
3. Communicate with your employees
Communication is the foundation of any good relationship, and the relationship between an employer and an employee is no different. If you want your employees to be engaged, you need to communicate with them.
Make sure your employees know what is expected of them and that they are aware of any changes in the company. Be open and honest with your employees, and encourage them to be open and honest with you.
One way to improve communication with your employees is to hold regular one-on-one meetings with them. Additionally, using a unified communication platform can enhance overall communication by integrating multiple channels such as chat, video calls, and emails, ensuring everyone stays connected. This will give you the opportunity to get to know your employees better and to address any issues they may have.
4. Recognize good work
Employees who feel appreciated will be more engaged and motivated. Recognition can come in many forms, from a simple thank you to a public shoutout or a financial bonus.
The key is to be genuine and specific in your praise. When employees feel valued and appreciated, they’re more likely to go the extra mile and be engaged with their work.
Managers have a huge impact on employee engagement. In fact, employees who feel their managers are good at recognizing their work are 5x more likely to be engaged.
5. Give employees the tools to do their job
Your team dedicates a lot of time and effort to your business. If they don’t have the right tools and resources, they can quickly become disengaged.
Make sure your team has access to everything they need to do their job. This includes software, tools, training, and resources. If they don’t, ask them what they need and do your best to provide it.
For example, if your team has to use outdated software, it can slow them down and create frustration. If you can, invest in new tools that can help them work more efficiently. If you can’t, make sure your team knows you’re working on it and provide them with as much support as possible.
6. Empower employees to make decisions
Empower your employees to make decisions on their own. When employees feel like they have a say in the decision-making process, they are more likely to be engaged.
This doesn’t mean that you should let your employees make all of the decisions. But, it does mean that you should give them the opportunity to make decisions on their own when appropriate.
For example, if you have an employee who is an expert in a certain area, let them take the lead on a project. If you have an employee who has a great idea for a new product or service, let them run with it.
When employees feel like they have a say in the decision-making process, they are more likely to be engaged. And, when employees are engaged, they are more likely to be productive and successful.
7. Encourage teamwork
Teamwork is a great way to boost employee engagement. It helps employees build relationships with their coworkers and can lead to better collaboration and communication.
Encouraging teamwork can also help employees feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves, which is a key driver of engagement.
You can encourage teamwork in a number of ways. For example, you can create opportunities for employees to work on projects together, or you can organize team-building activities.
8. Encourage a healthy work-life balance
It’s important to show your employees that you care about their well-being. One way to do this is to encourage a healthy work-life balance.
If your employees are constantly working long hours, they’re likely to get burned out. This can lead to a decrease in productivity and an increase in employee turnover.
Make sure that your employees are taking breaks throughout the day and that they’re not working too many hours. You can also offer flexible work hours and remote work options to help your employees achieve a better work-life balance.
9. Invest in employee training
When employees feel they have the opportunity to learn and grow, they’re more likely to be engaged. This can come in the form of skills-based training, a learning management system, leadership development, or other professional development opportunities.
In addition to improving employee engagement, investing in employee training can also lead to increased productivity, better job performance, and reduced employee turnover.
In fact, a survey conducted by LinkedIn found that 94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their career development.
10. Create a positive work environment
Last but not least, make sure the work environment is positive. A positive work environment is one where employees feel valued, supported, and respected. It’s one where they feel comfortable speaking up, sharing their ideas, and taking risks. Incorporating gamification can also enhance employee engagement, making the workplace more enjoyable and motivating.
To create a positive work environment, be sure to recognize and reward employees for their hard work, provide opportunities for professional development and growth, and make sure everyone feels included and supported. You can also create a positive work environment by encouraging open and honest communication, providing regular feedback, and addressing any issues or concerns quickly and effectively.
11. Offer competitive pay and benefits
Employees should be compensated fairly for their work. If not, they are likely to feel undervalued, which can lead to disengagement.
To ensure your employees feel fairly compensated, it’s important to offer competitive pay and benefits. This means staying up to date with market rates and adjusting your compensation packages as needed.
In addition to competitive pay, you should also consider offering a range of benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off and more. This will help you attract and retain top talent, and it will show your employees that you value their well-being.
12. Conduct employee surveys
Employee surveys are a great way to keep a pulse on your team and identify any potential issues before they escalate. You can use surveys to gather feedback on a wide range of topics, from job satisfaction and work-life balance to company culture and communication.
To get the most out of your surveys, make sure they are anonymous and that you share the results with your team. This will help to build trust and show employees that you value their input.
It’s also important to take action based on the feedback you receive. If employees feel like their feedback is falling on deaf ears, they are less likely to participate in future surveys.
13. Create opportunities for career advancement
Employees who feel stuck in their current role are more likely to feel disengaged. That’s why it’s important to create opportunities for career advancement and professional growth.
Meet with employees regularly to discuss their career goals. If they express a desire to move up in the company, help them create a plan to achieve that goal.
This could include additional training and development, taking on new projects, or moving to a new role within the company. By showing employees that there are opportunities for advancement, you’ll keep them engaged and motivated.
14. Lead by example
The best way to motivate your employees is to lead by example. If you’re happy and engaged, your employees are more likely to be happy and engaged as well.
Show your employees that you care about the company and that you’re willing to work hard to make it successful. If you want your employees to give their best, you need to give your best as well.
Conclusion
If you want your employees to be engaged, you need to engage with them. This is a two-way street. By following the tips in this article, along with exploring fera review app alternatives, you can foster an environment where employees feel valued and are willing to go the extra mile.
