Many companies face a challenge with engaging their employees. Some companies do not find it necessary to engage their employees on any level – why should they? Employees are being paid a salary what else do they expect? Some companies think it is something to consider but don’t exactly know what to do about it. They may offer a company social every now and then but not much beyond that. Some companies make it a priority to keep their employees engaged. They have regular team building activities, involve employees in discussions and use their feedback when making policy changes, hold regular team meetings, foster an environment that makes employees feel like they belong, are valued and appreciated, among other things.
Employee engagement or lack thereof impacts the organization on many levels. It affects the internal customer and the external customer. According to Sybil F. Stershich, “the way your employees feel is the way your customers will feel” and Timothy R. Clark shares this sentiment. According to him, “highly engaged employees make the customer experience. Disengaged employees break it.” Companies that are interested in making profits, having repeat and loyal customers and that want to experience low employee turnover, should focus on building employee engagement.
Building employee engagement is not about superficial attempts to hold socials or parties on an inconsistent basis. Employee Engagement is a consistent and ongoing daily effort. It requires managers to demonstrate that they care about the employee and the things that impact them. According to Anne Mulcahy, “employees who believe that management is concerned about them as a whole person – not just an employee – are more productive, more satisfied, more fulfilled. Satisfied employees mean satisfied customers, which leads to profitability.”
Employees play a role in the engagement process as well. The company or organization cannot do it alone. Tim Clark makes it very clear that “…you have to want to be engaged. There has to be deep-seated desire in your heart and mind to participate, to be involved, and to make a difference. If the desire isn’t there, no person or book can plant it within you.”
Tip of the Week: The tip of the week comes from Meghan Biro – “employees engage with employers and brands when they are treated as humans worthy of respect.
