Employee engagement is a tough thing to measure, but it can mean the difference between a team of loyal workers and an unmanageable turnover rate. That’s why so many business leaders are turning their focus to finding ways to keep their employees engaged and satisfied with their role in the company.
As you can imagine, this is easier said than done. Every organization is unique and will face its own challenges, but there are a few techniques that can be used across the board. In this article, we’ll look at five things you can do as a leader to keep people engaged and happy at work.
1. Provide Resources
When your team has the resources they need to succeed in their role, they’re far more likely to stick around. Although some members of your company might see resources as unnecessary expenditures, it’s your job to explain that your team can’t reach their goals without the tools for the job.
Resources can mean different things to different people. For some businesses, it could software, technology or platforms that assist teams with their roles. For others, it could be professional development opportunities, seminars and leadership training. It all depends on what areas are lacking and what your team is asking for.
2. Give Regular Feedback
It’s important to regularly give feedback to your team so they know areas where they can improve and areas where they’re thriving. Creating anticipated situations where you’ll offer advice and support, such as annual performance reviews or weekly one-on-one meetings, shows people that you’re looking out for their best interests and paying attention to their progress.
Employees who receive regular feedback are less prone to quiet quitting, low productivity and job abandonment than those who don’t regularly speak with their leadership teams. This is why it’s critical to ensure you always offer valuable feedback.
3. Develop Top Talent
As a leader, you have a unique position to see everyone and their skill sets from a bird’s eye view. As you identify top talent in your company, make an effort to develop those people’s skill sets through professional education and career development opportunities. Let them know that you can see them moving up one day and empower them to want more from their career.
A vital part of this process is helping your team members develop career plans. You can sit with them to assess their goals and help them outline what skills they need to work on to achieve them. Continually assess this plan and note the progress they’ve made and new action steps they can focus on.
4. Be Flexible
There’s nothing worse than a boss who won’t budge. When your employees need a little wiggle room, do your best to be understanding. It won’t always be possible to give them what they want, and you’re allowed to communicate that, but let them know you’ll try your best to make accommodations that work for everyone.
When you’re flexible with your team, they see that you’re invested in their well-being as well as the results they create for the company. This creates a trusting relationship and encourages them to be a little more flexible if you ever need to ask for something extra at work.
5. Give Rewards
Everyone likes being recognized and rewarded for their hard work. It’s a leader’s job to call out those team members who are going above and beyond or creating big wins for the company. You could give gift cards, extra PTO days or even a promotion or raise if the situation calls for it.
When you reward your employees for their hard work, they feel appreciated and seen. This motivates them to stay with your company and continue achieving great things.
Engaging your employees is a tall order, but it’s one that must not be ignored. The more engaged your employees are, the more likely they are to stay with your company and help you reach your organizational goals.