No matter your business, employee engagement is a must. It’s contagious, spreading not only from coworker to coworker, but ultimately to customers as well. It positively impacts not only morale and company culture, but also productivity and your bottom line.
Hopefully, you’re already familiar with these tips to drive employee engagement, and practicing them on a regular basis. Or, maybe it’s time for a tune up when it comes to:
Getting Involved
Take a genuine interest in what your employees are working on. Check in with them regularly and, if it helps, be ready and willing to roll up your sleeps if they need on-the-spot assistance. Engaged leaders consistently show that they care and that the work their team members are doing is valued and appreciated.
If you don’t already have one, start an employee recognition program. Peer-to-peer recognition connects people to a common purpose. As workers acknowledge one another, your workplace becomes more inclusive and human.
Getting Personal
Get to know your employees as the unique individuals they are. Learn their names, and spend time managing by walking around. Ask people about their lives, their families, and how things are going. Emails and phone calls will never replace face-to-face conversations, even if remote work means holding them virtually.
Getting Communicative
Communicate with your employees clearly and regularly, using whatever methods and media work best. Be as transparent as possible so people know what’s going on with your business, as well as understand your expectations – and vice versa. Take enough time to ensure each team member is on the same page as you and has all the information they need to deliver on shared goals.
Consider employee surveys to learn what’s working and what’s not when it comes to company leadership, job and career satisfaction, and how to better communicate.
Getting Away from Micromanagement
Effective delegating increases engagement, but micromanaging has the opposite effect. Start by hiring and placing the right people in the right roles. Then, give them the tools, resources and support they need to be successful. Keep your door open and your finger on the pulse of progress – but otherwise, get out of the way and let people shine. Check in frequently and be open to answering questions and encouraging discussion. Beyond that, you do your job and let your employees do theirs.
Building Trust
Mutual trust is a fundamental building block for workplace engagement. It fosters loyalty and the willingness to stay with a company. It lowers stress levels and hostility, builds teamwork and collaboration, and breaks down communication silos and isolating behaviors.
Lead with honesty and integrity. Keep your promises, without exception. Model the behavior you’d like to see reflected back at you by everyone on your team.
Are you looking for reliable, engaged employees or additional tips on building engagement within your existing workforce? For staffing and team development plans tailored to your company and its unique needs, contact PrideStaff Modesto today.
