Monday, January 13, 2014

Outcomes Realized Through Employee Engagement Activities

By Sebastian Troup


Do you know that one of the best investments any company could have is on employees deeply engaged in their respective works and those who are able to show real commitment for the realization of the company's mission? With good employees around, you are truly sure to meet your goals compared to any other investments.

Finding good employees is one thing, but keeping them happy and engaged is just as critical to make sure you can retain them for the long term. Here are five effective activities you can use right now to make sure you get the best results out of your most valuable resource.

1. Celebrate Successes

Not a single soul on earth dislikes being recognized for their hard work and this could effectively motivate employees and this costs a company nothing. Compared to monetary rewards, recognition often comes more effective in motivating employees.

Although a personal pat on the back is fitting, recognition could take results further especially when others know of it. Perhaps you can make recognition more public through announcements, award-giving, or maybe mentioning names along with accomplishments if the company has a publication or a website. For the consistently top-performing workers, maybe a promotion or additional responsibilities would be warranted.

2. Communication Is Key

For encouraging full commitment on working you should be able to offer employees an environment where they can freely express views on work-related matters and feel they are being listened to. As simple as it seems, an open line of communication is what you can effectively give for employees to be truly active in the company. Of course, this is not only in terms of the working conditions, benefits and dress code which is a traditional aspect of HR. Employees seeking a way to create a difference always think of the long-term for the company's benefits and senior managers should take note of the ideas and suggestions made by these types of employees.

Create and promote multiple ways employees can learn about what's going on in the company and opportunities for them to offer feedback or suggestions that will actually be heard and considered. For example, consider a company newsletter, a regularly updated intranet, or a monthly "Letter from the CEO," which poses questions to the employees and gives them an opportunity to respond straight to the top. This kind of interaction boosts engagement and goes directly toward improving the bottom line.

3. Offer Real-Time Progress Reports

The company's goals should be clearly presented and at the same time have all employees informed on how their part has added to the overall success.

How employees fare in the company should not be conveyed merely through the annual performance review. Companies leading in any industry are able to offer employees continuous feedback for the sake of making them realize their strengths and weaknesses.

Many employees need to know about their individual contribution on the progress of the organization and not just C-level executives exposed to reams of significant data concerning the company. The full engagement of employees depends on your ability to include them in the group of people who need to know the high-level information which executives use to weigh the business standing of the company.

4. Do Several Good Deeds Through A "Cause"

Many companies have found a strategic corporate philanthropy program or employee volunteering initiative to be one of the most effective employee engagement activities available, as it combines team building, skill development, and leadership along with the positive feelings that come from doing good.

To accomplish the most good on both fronts, have employees participate in choosing some causes that are important to them, then provide them with as many opportunities as possible to give monetarily and through volunteering. Keep everyone apprised of how the charitable efforts are succeeding just as if they were another corporate business initiative, and be sure to celebrate success.

5. Fun Should Be Company-Wide

You can't always just push your employees to be the most productive and efficient they possibly can without thinking of their need to also rest, relax and become well-balanced individuals. Make sure that you also give them time to have some fun.

There can be "burning out" amongst even the most efficient and most active employees when pushed too hard hence the need for you to support their overall way of life including "fun" time. You can give them time to let loose and simply have fun with co-workers without the seriousness of work. This can happen during holidays, corporate milestones or any given occasion.




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