Sandy Epperson 
Have you ever been in room that lacked adequate lighting – a dimly lit area that should have been brighter but for some reason, there was just not enough lighting – light fixtures were broken, light bulbs out or little to no windows? It may have invoked certain negative feelings signaling that there was perhaps a lack of vibrancy, diminished caring or pride, or even financial distress.
A substantive lack of employee engagement in your workplace can feel a lot like a dimly lit room. The potential is there, but it isn’t as visible as it could be. To boost employee engagement, employers must shine a light on their intentional efforts and actions that demonstrate genuine care about facilitating a good employee experience and improving the overall workplace culture. Whether the specific elements of these employer actions impact employee communication, performance management, development or teamwork/relationship building – the message should resonate with employees at all levels that they are valued contributors and inextricably linked to business success.
Given evidence that engaged employees will be healthier, more productive, and stay longer with the company, being in tune with and acting on the levers of employee engagement for the organization are vital. Many studies have emphasized compelling reasons for improved employee engagement – not the least of which is increased profit, better safety records, customer satisfaction/loyalty, enhanced quality and more. Additionally, it’s worth highlighting that employees often play other valuable ancillary roles for your organization outside of their traditional job description. Roles such as product or service brand advocate, thought leader for your business/industry, customer loyalty ambassador, R&D contributor, referral engine for sourcing key talent, and much more. When engagement wanes, the discretionary effort put into these areas as well as the employee’s primary responsibilities can evaporate quickly – a true loss for the organization.
So, what specific HR activities can an employer take to “light up the room” and contribute to better employee engagement? From initial consultation to implementation, On Course HR routinely helps businesses with the six areas featured below to elevate engagement in their workplace. Contact HR for a complimentary discussion to learn how these services can help your business!
Create and conduct an employee survey
Employee surveys provide helpful insight to job satisfaction, workplace culture, total rewards, and more. Employees who are requested to voice opinions and are heard by employers, feel empowered and better connected to the business.
Implement contemporary best practice HR policy and procedures
With a thorough assessment of current HR practices and activities, employers can uncover needed compliance adjustments as well as policy and practice updates to elevate professionalism in the workplace. Benefits include improved legal compliance, enhanced professional image of the organization, and increased employee pride through a best practice, fair and consistent operating environment.
Evaluate organization design
A careful review of the current organization structure can determine if roles and responsibilities are properly aligned and effective for the organization to execute strategy and meet business goals. Employees and the organization benefit by providing needed clarity to role definitions, expectations, and results. Additional career paths for employees may be identified through this process.
Redesign performance management systems and employee development activities
Essential to today’s workplace is constructive two-way dialogue between managers and employees to drive needed business performance and employee’s aspiration for development and career progression. The employee feels the organization demonstrates an appropriate level of care and concern for their growth and development.
Provide management training and leadership development
Focused coaching and development for people managers equip them with the needed skills and knowledge to effectively lead employees and maintain a healthy workplace culture contributing to a positive employee experience. Employees develop constructive and sustaining relationships with managers who know how to effectively lead and demonstrate concern for engagement.
Review and improve employee communication channels
Timely and adequate communication is a top priority for engagement. It is essential for an organization to determine if channels of communication are flowing properly so employees feel informed and connected. In turn, employees are satisfied to receive critical information they need to do their jobs and operate successfully within the business.
Raising the HR Game in 2023!
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