An engaged employee feels a connection to your company, putting passion and extra effort into their work, driving innovation and moving your business towards its goals. On the other hand, an unengaged employee has “checked out”; this type of employee is simply putting in time, but not energy or excitement into their work.
Your company likely has a combination of both of these types of workers at any point in time, but should work towards creating more of the former and avoid allowing the unengaged or actively disengaged employees to undermine the work of your more stellar team members. Fortunately, it is possible to convert unengaged employees into engaged employees. By making engagement a priority, your business can implement initiatives to boost employee engagement and increase the performance of your existing workforce.
- Model Engagement
Upper management should be just as engaged as any other worker within your company. In order for employees to be engaged, they must see their superiors modelling the behaviours they are asked to adopt first. - Be Flexible
Your workers can become more engaged in their job if it works around them. If possible, give your staff the freedom to adjust their work schedules or work from home to suit their other commitments. Employees who have more flexible hours or can work from alternate locations are more productive and more engaged than typical 9-5 office workers. - Be Accessible
Managers and executives should be not only visible around your workplace, but also accessible. Employees should see them as approachable and someone they can turn to for help or guidance. For better engaged employees, your team should feel like their concerns will be heard and that their feedback is appreciated. - Invest in Employee Development
If you as an employer are committed to the professional and personal growth of your employees, you will demonstrate that you value each individual member of your team. By offering opportunities to further your employees’ skills, you are showing that you care about their growth within your organization, as well as other future possibilities. - Offer Perks
For more engaged employees, create a work environment that they love coming to every day. While you don’t have to offer catered meals or in-house gym equipment, you should demonstrate that you care about your employees. Consider providing healthy snacks each day, or schedule team building activities regularly to enjoy together. These perks can help you attract and retain more engaged employees. - Give Praise
One of the top reasons why employees disengage from their job or quit altogether is because they do not feel appreciated. Recognize your employees for their work and let them know you value their contributions to the organization. Encourage your team to praise each other for hard work and a job well done. Feeling appreciated can make your employees more confident and more productive.