How would you rate the most important asset of your company? It isn’t your unique IP, trademark, or service infrastructure. It’s your team. That’s why in the 21st century, nothing beats a happy, productive team. Sadly, 70% of workers are disengaged with their jobs, according to Gallup’s 2017 State of the American Workplace study. What was once a troubling tendency is now commonplace in many workplaces, leaving behind many undesirable effects for businesses. Low levels of employee involvement lead to lower output levels, fewer new ideas, more absenteeism and higher attrition rates.
Fortunately, poor engagement is not unavoidable. Some companies have high levels of employee involvement because they place a premium on training and keeping their workers happy. Each staff member works diligently and purposefully for the company’s benefit. They care deeply about the success of the team as a whole and are always brainstorming new ways to improve processes and procedures.
An employee’s level of participation is something that you can’t mandate from the outside. However, it is possible to foster a work environment in which people feel motivated and empowered to make their own independent decisions. You want to foster a culture that encourages and rewards participation from all team members. Here are some tips for creating an engaging workspace:
Enhance employee communication
Carefully consider your interactions with staff members. Team members and senior management need to consider the impact of their communication styles, including any inclusive communication efforts, on the quality of the work environment they’re trying to foster. For instance, you can invest in an informational kiosk to give access to important communications to every team member.
When employees get compliments and are made aware of how their efforts impact the company’s performance, they become more invested in their jobs. They feel more appreciated by the company as a whole. It is essential to create performance goals and provide employees with constructive criticism on how their individual efforts impact the bigger picture. However, evaluations shouldn’t stop at workers. Additionally, managers should welcome comments and suggestions.
Hold company events to boost engagement
You can increase employee participation by holding company-wide activities. Employees’ connections with their bosses and coworkers strengthen when they have opportunities to interact outside of work. Having workers present at corporate events helps them feel like they are part of a community that appreciates more than just getting the job done on time. Having a place to call home and the opportunity to be themselves are two of the many benefits it may provide.
The high spirits that often accompany such exciting activities may be carried over throughout the rest of the workweek. The office may have a picnic, treasure hunt, trip to the fair or escape room for an hour.
Recognize workers that go the extra mile
Simply completing tasks isn’t acceptable in today’s “culture of involvement.” Acknowledge and praise those who go above and beyond the call of duty. Programs of formal acknowledgment are an excellent tool for this purpose. For example, you can use digital signage to display the best-performing employees. In addition, showing appreciation for workers’ efforts communicates to them that their efforts are appreciated and have significance. Several screens showing who is doing well in their work improve engagement while encouraging productivity.
Give your employees a say in how things are run
Engaging workplaces show workers they are appreciated and offer them a say in how they spend their time while on the job. Workers have some control over their working environment, including adjusting the temperature and the lighting (even if it’s only a desk lamp). Unfortunately, many modern businesses provide restroom stalls as a location for workers to have some peace.
Say no to cabins
The workplace environment should be as open as possible. Avoid enclosed chambers or cubes since they convey an air of superiority and hostility. As a result of listening in on the conversations in the sales department, your imaginative team may devise a simple solution that will blow your mind. Working in an open office environment provides a new perspective and makes everyone in the workplace more accessible. Sharing your expertise is a breeze, and you’ll be able to speed up the process of finding effective solutions for your group.
Motivated and involved workers are more likely to take pride in their work and remain with your company if they do. Employees will be less stressed out and more open to contributing their ideas to the growth and prosperity of your business.