Today, employee engagement is one of the key factors in the success of an organization and in maintaining its competitive edge.  With the rapidly changing workforce demographic, organizations are seeing a reduction in the employee’s joining a company and staying on until retirement.

So, how can organizations sustain engagement? Well, there is no single answer. However, employers should make it possible for their people to do their best work.  It requires an ongoing, planned effort with the right strategies. Building an environment where good work is praised, great work is rewarded, and poor performance is promptly addressed increases employee engagement.

In Gallup’s 12: The Elements of Great Managing, engaging employees requires a year-round focus on changing behaviors, processes, and systems to anticipate and respond to the organizations’ needs.  From the leadership team to the front-line employees, all levels within the organization must commit to making these changes. The idea of great managing is to approach employee engagement with sustainability in mind. 

Impacting Employee Engagement:

• Create a culture of caring – A caring work culture is paramount for a successful company.  It is also important to earn and keep the trust of all employees.

• Build connections – Employees who like their fellow workers and socialize with them outside of work can increase engagement.

• Provide a positive work environment – An environment where good work is praised, great work is rewarded, and poor performance is promptly addressed increases employee engagement.

• Develop strong leadership – Company leaders need to be trustworthy, caring, direct, and consistent. These leaders should truly believe in the importance of those characteristics. 

• Educate supervisors – Supervisors need to know how to interact positively, motivate through caring, earn respect, show gratitude for a job well done, and recognize outstanding performance.

Particularly in these challenging times, companies need to operate at their very best to achieve cost savings throughout the organization, retain current customers, and secure new business. Employees need to be motivated to not only survive but to thrive.