Tips for Increasing Employee Engagement

Did you know that companies with highly engaged employees are 21% more profitable?

We're halfway through the year so it's now more important than ever to really drill down on the goals you set out and finish the year strong. One way to do all of that and more is by keeping your employees engaged as much as possible. 

But what does Employee Engagement really mean? Let’s check out some definitions! 

Quantum Workplace - Employee engagement is the strength of the mental and emotional connection employees feel toward their places of work.

Gallup - Engaged employees as those who are involved in, enthusiastic about, and committed to their work and workplace.

Willis Towers Watson – Engagement is employees' willingness and ability to contribute to company success.

Why is Employee Engagement so Important? 

Employee engagement has the potential to positively affect employee retention, productivity, and loyalty. With how competitive the hiring market is right now, it’s now more important than ever to make sure you’re focusing on these aspects of your business. 

It’s also known that employee engagement is an important driver of client satisfaction, business reputation, and core business values. 

So, what drives employee engagement? 

Key Drivers: 

Quantum Workplace (a research firm behind the "Best Places to Work" programs in more than 47 metro areas) has identified six drivers of employee engagement that have the greatest impact:

1. The leaders of their organization are committed to making it a great place to work.

2. Trust in the leaders of the organization to set the right course.

3. The belief that the organization will be successful in the future.

4. Understanding of how I fit into the organization's future plans.

5. The leaders of the organization value people as their most important resource.

6. The organization makes investments to make employees more successful.

Tips to Increase Employee Engagement: 

1. Schedule regular one-on-one meetings

Questions to Ask During 1:1’s: 

• How are you and how is life outside of work? Discussing priorities and providing feedback is a big part of one one one’s, but it is equally important to express interest in their personal lives. 

• What support do you need from me? Let employees know that you are here to help and invest in their professional growth.

2. Ask for their opinion and feedback so that you can LISTEN

Everyone wants to feel heard, included, and respected. Oftentimes we’re on autopilot, we’re so busy with scaling our business that we forget the basics of just asking your employees for their opinion and feedback. 

3. Recognize great work

When’s the last time you did something that showed your appreciation to an employee? We may have employees that are showing up and working hard consistently, they seem “fine” & that they don’t need a pat on the back but is there any harm in providing that anyway? 

No matter how big or how small the achievement is, recognizing great work will continue to motivate employees to work hard and produce more great work. 

There are employees out there that are highly driven by recognition and appreciation but not all of them are speaking up about how they need to be recognized, so as a leader it is your job to step in so that they can continue to stay engaged & motivated. 

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Bonus tip: Focus on Professional Development 

The more your employees feel heard, appreciated, respected, and motivated… the more they will want to participate, be proactive, and be committed to the future of your business and your business goals. 

Need more tips? Want to chat about how your company culture is impacting your employees’ productivity? Book a discovery call with me today!