Lately I have been getting a lot of comments from managers regarding how to enhance engagement at work. With a work environment that creates so much stress and demands it is easy to overlook this topic.
The critical issue is, that without engagement you are in a very vulnerable position.
Engagement dictates how much individuals like what they are doing, how happy they are with what they do and how they see their future in the organization.
So what can you do to create an atmosphere of engagement?
One suggestion is to start to take a hard look at the engagement program you have in place. If you lack a program, may I suggest you start looking. There are many great resources on line that help you get an idea of how to start and who to call.
Second, make sure you are thorough with your onboarding process, making sure employees have a good understating of expectations and how things get done.
Third I suggest you spend time observing your employees. When in a meeting take a little more time to ask individually how are they enjoying work, what could be done differently, etc. Focusing on employee development pays back in so many ways. Not only engaging the individual but also creating a sense of collegiality and team work.
Take a look at business units that seem to be doing very well and ask what types of incentives are working.
Make sure you have a good and clear understanding of your corporate culture. Align your incentives with these values to give your team true traction.
Be aware that you want to offer incentives that work for your employee, don’t project your preferences, this is about the employees. What they want and what they need.
Make sure you survey your employees and once you get results act on the feedback you have received. Surveys are great tools if you use them wisely. Do not use surveys if you are not ready to implement change, it will definitely create negative feelings and lack of trust.
Remind yourself not to micromanage, specially young employees, they like room to think.
Engagement is critical for innovation to surface, it is the antidote to attrition, it enhances a positive work environment, it makes employee to take the extra mile.
I hope this information is helpful. Don’t let this issue go to the sidelines. Take action, you can’t afford to ignore this!
Elisabet Rodriguez Dennehy
President, Rodriguez and Associates LLC