BBB Business Tip: 10 creative ways to increase employee engagement
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What’s the enthusiasm reading on your employees? Are they passionate about their work? Do they feel a regular sense of achievement? As an employer, you have an incredible opportunity to challenge yourself with this question:
How can I get my workforce excited about clocking in each day?
Now, if you’ve got a large team, answering this question for each employee will involve trusting your managers and leaders to engage regularly. But this all starts with you. Be the tone-setter regarding improving employee engagement with these ten tips.
Allow employees to be flexible
In our post, we mentioned flexibility in keeping employees happy and productive in the workplace. We’re bringing it up again because it’s a biggie. According to Business News Daily, “more than 3 in 5 working adults (62 percent) agreed that flexibility is one of the most important factors they consider when looking for a new job.”
Flexibility in work schedules and remote or hybrid workplace opportunities have become popular in recent years. Prioritizing this flexibility can impact everything from the well-being of your employees to their productivity to your recruiting efforts.
Volunteer as a team
As an employer, you might have the chance to get involved with local charitable organizations. These efforts are a great way for the team to come together. Encourage your employees to participate in volunteer projects to demonstrate that the company is not just about making money but about making a difference in people's lives.
Always be genuine
A genuine relationship between employees and management builds trust. This is one of the drivers of your operation, both internally and externally. As an employer, strive to build meaningful relationships through authentic communication. Stronger teams emerge when this trust is felt, leading to a comfortable workplace where everyone wants to bring their best.
Encourage employees to take breaks
We all need a quick recharge from time to time. Encourage your employees to take their minds off work every once in a while to de-stress. Send out reminders if possible, and stay tuned to the signs of an overworked team member. When their (or your) eyes are glazed over, it’s time to take a step back and breathe. Designating these times to recenter shows employees you care about their wellbeing.
Ask for feedback
While employers usually give employees feedback, don’t be afraid of a role reversal. Ask them for feedback occasionally and communicate that their opinion matters and they play an important role in the company.
Hold weekly gatherings
Team lunch, anyone? Hang out after work? Gatherings with colleagues and peers are the perfect way to get to know one another more personally. Plus, not only does this break up the work routine, but it also gives the team something to look forward to and work toward.
Create a unique workplace environment
Does your work environment inspire you? If not, chances are your employees are struggling with the drabness, too. Solicit feedback from them on creating a more welcoming, more engaging atmosphere. Then, follow through by creating a workplace together that’s unique, comfortable and on-brand for your company.
Become more people-centric
We all have our personal lives. The important thing is to find the right balance. As mentioned earlier, flexible work schedules and hybrid/work-from-home opportunities are part of this; more importantly, it’s about the people. A sense of camaraderie is a great way to make people feel valued and heard, so stay active in listening and keeping your door open to your team members’ needs.
Lead by example
Talk the talk, walk the walk. Want something done in a certain way? Carve out the time to help your employees. Be a mentor when you see people struggling. Going the extra mile by getting in the trenches with your team to solve problems boosts morale.
Appreciate your employees!
A simple "thank you" goes a long way. Take the time to appreciate your team’s efforts by acknowledging them. This could be anything from gift cards and celebrations to evaluating their benefits packages. Ultimately, this appreciation can build trust, repair strained relationships, and motivate employees to be their best daily.
For more information
For more information to help your small business, check out the BBB business news feed and the BizHQ.
BBB Great West + Pacific contributed this article.
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