According to Gallup only a third of employees are engaged at work, a figure that’s remained consistent since the year 2000.
This is a frighteningly low figure, especially when it comes to enjoying work. But it’s not just the employees’ health, wellbeing and motivation being hit, it’s also the bottom line. Employee engagement is broadly defined as the emotional investment and commitment an employee has to the organisation they work for. Further figures from Gallup show just how important this investment is and why employee engagement figures are making CEOs across the globe sit up and take notice.
The potential increase in profitability for organisations with engaged employees is 22 percent with these same companies also seeing 147 percent higher earnings per share than their competitors.
An engaged employee understands the role they play in the success of the company as well as taking responsibility and accountability for the quality of work they deliver. They are more productive, they take less sick leave, the are better equipped to innovate and they provide a better experience for the customer.
There are many ways to boost employee engagement. However, the first step always comes down to laying strong foundations and having a solid base to work from; it’s from here that a culture where employee engagement is key can grow and flourish.
Here are three simple ways you can motivate and engage your employees:
Be inspirational
Companies can always inspire their employees no matter what the industry. Whether it’s manufacturing, construction, healthcare, retail or any in between, employees can be inspired by being given meaning and purpose, especially when it’s backed up by innovation. Having engaged employees is so much more than a free lunch and away day every quarter. It’s about believing the work you do is enriching people’s lives and making the world a better place. Inspiration flows from the top down and the best leaders are those who act selflessly and lead by example.
Be human
There is pressure and stress in every job. Whether it’s the waiter dealing with a full restaurant or the CFO writing a monthly report, we all feel pressure and all react to it differently. Being aware of stress helps us manage it better both in ourselves and among our colleagues. Mistakes are going to happen. It’s a fact of life and part of human nature. Accept them, learn from them and help make sure they aren’t made again. Practice mindfulness, encourage employees to exercise, take breaks and have quality rest time. When employees are treated well, with care and consideration, they automatically become more engaged.
Be kind
As well treating employees like people, be kind to them, the smallest act of kindness can have a lasting a profound effect. One of our customers is kind to their staff and their customers through their Hug Club, loyalty scheme that allows their customers to give and receive mini ‘hugs.’ We’re not suggesting you go around hugging everyone but, as this study shows, companionship and recognition are two of the most important aspects of employee loyalty. Trust, respect, openness and the consideration of others all help people feel part of a greater whole so when it comes to understanding their individual role in their company’s success, the employee is much more likely to have an emotional investment.
Being kind is easy. Listen more, make coffee for the whole team, eat lunch together and show empathy. The results will always last longer than a burst of anger.
By showing inspiration, kindness and awareness your employees will enjoy working you while wanting to perform better and achieve more. It also means your customers are going to be happier. It’s a situation where everybody wins and what’s not to like about that?
