Written by: Daniel Helfrich, Tilson Human Resource Generalist
In today’s competitive business world, employee engagement has become a critical factor that can make or break an organization’s success. Engaged employees are not just more satisfied with their jobs, they are more productive, committed to, and passionate about the organization for which they work. In this article, we will discuss the importance and benefits of employee engagement and offer tips for creating a more engaged workforce.
What is Employee Engagement?
According to SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management), employee engagement is an employee’s satisfaction with their work and pride in their employer, to the extent to which people enjoy and believe in what they do for work and have the perception that their employer values what they bring to the table.
Employee engagement is much more than simply job satisfaction. It involves employees’ emotional commitment to not only their work but to the organization and its goals as a whole. The more engaged an employee is, the more willing they are to go above and beyond because they genuinely care about the goals of the company and its success.
For a more in-depth understanding of employee engagement, refer to our Employee Engagement E-guide.”
Benefits of Employee Engagement
- Greater Productivity: A more engaged employee is a more productive employee. They have a vested interest in the quantity and quality of their work beyond a simple paycheck.
- Higher Retention: When employees are engaged, they are less likely to look for work elsewhere. This leads to less turnover, therefore reducing costs and helps retain top talent.
- Increased Customer Satisfaction: We’ve all said we would never give our money to a business again due to poor customer service. Engaged employees care deeply about customer service, realizing how vital it is to a company’s success. This not only increases customer satisfaction but also customer retention and the likelihood that a customer will be willing to spend more money in the future.
- Superior Reputation: An employee who is engaged is much more likely to speak highly of their organization. In the era of job search websites such as Glassdoor, this can be key when it comes to attracting more talented employees. Not to mention, they will be more likely to personally refer candidates to fill open positions. In addition, customers will be more willing to do business with an organization that has a great reputation.
To measure the impact of employee engagement on various aspects of your organization, refer to our Employee Engagement Scorecard.
Tips for Promoting Employee Engagement
- Provide Clear Communication: Be open and honest in your communication. Keep employees up to date on the company goals, strategies, and values. Ensure that employees know the vital role they play and how their role contributes to the big picture.
- Recognize Employees: Identify and recognize top performers. By letting employees know their hard work is valued it encourages the behavior. This can be done in a multitude of ways such as giving public praise on your internal communication platform, providing company gear, buying lunch, or simple feedback. There are countless ways to recognize employees, feel free to get creative.
- Supply Opportunities for Growth: Provide learning opportunities for employees to learn and grow in their roles. Make certain they are aware that the organization is as committed to their continued development as they are.
- Prioritize Work/Life Balance & Mental/Physical Health: Be certain to offer adequate time off. If possible, consider offering flexible or remote work opportunities. Consider providing employees with an EAP(Employee Assistance Program). Encourage employees to take breaks. Reach out to local gyms/fitness facilities and inquire if they would be willing to offer discounted memberships.
- Encourage Feedback: Create channels for employees to voice their concerns and suggestions. Possibly even more important, address and act on the feedback your employees provide. To assess the level of engagement within your organization, consider utilizing our Employee Engagement Survey.
- Build Trust: Trust is the foundation of any relationship. Be transparent, keep promises made, and support your employees.
For more strategies on enhancing employee engagement, read our blog on 4 Employee Engagement Tips to Prevent Quiet Quitting.
Employee engagement isn’t just nice to have, it is a must-have for any organization striving to reach their maximum potential. Engaged employees are the driving force behind productivity, innovation, customer satisfaction, and ultimately success. By striving to create a company of engaged employees an organization can create an environment where employees thrive, and the company thrives in return.
Consider partnering with Tilson to navigate the complexities of employment. Reach out to explore tailored HR strategies that can help unlock your workforce’s full potential and elevate your business.
