A company is only as good as the staff it keeps. This is a very important reminder that both experienced and new business owners should keep in mind if they want to stay on the path to success.
Having a good relationship with employees impacts the overall business performance because, after all, these are the people that are running the business on the ground. Unfortunately, this does not always come naturally to some companies.
The Importance of Employee Engagement
Many are at a loss on how to get more engagement from employees. This is a matter of serious concern because it can severely affect their performance and satisfaction down the line. Dissatisfied employees can lead to high attrition, which will directly impact operations because of the lack of manpower.
When they feel that they are not being heard, they are more likely to leave negative reviews online, painting a less-than-ideal image of the company as an employer and as a brand. This can impact your company’s ability to hire the right personnel, or even possible partnerships.
On the other hand, having good engagement with the employees can yield better productivity in production and customer service. The concept of “happy workers are productive workers” may sound simplistic at this point, but this tenet’s simplicity makes it very true.
More often than not, employees are not really asking for too much in terms of rewards and benefits. Being heard by management, and knowing that their health and well-being are considered, are most important from there. Anything else – bonuses, company treats and dinners, or even trips and vacations – are mere cherries on top.
Improving Employee Engagement
The great thing about employee engagement is that it doesn’t always have to mean adding expenses to your cost. There are simple ways to make improvements without spending.
Here are some helpful tips for employee engagement you can apply.
- Open communication lines between employees and HR or management.
- Have leadership training for managers since they directly work with the employees.
- Supply the tools needed for the job, or make it easier for them to make requests for it.
- Provide opportunities for employees to make suggestions on how to improve their work environment/ experience.
- Provide opportunities for growth and improvement through training and coaching.
- Make time for socialization and team building.
- Give due recognition and acknowledgment to achievers.
- Celebrate individual and team milestones.
- Have the occasional fun days in the workplace, such as general holidays that everyone can participate in and enjoy.
- Motivate employees by reminding them of the importance of their role in the company.
These are but a few of the things you can implement in your business to improve employee engagement. With better planning, you can do more for the benefit of your staff and company.