It’s been over a year since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and things are slowly going back to normal in the office space. As employees return to their workplaces, this raises a new challenge to companies on how they can restore connection and engagement across their workforce.
The need for better employee engagement is critical. For many years, companies have constantly looked for ways on how they can inspire employees to stay engaged, meaning they’re committed, enthusiastic, and involved in their work. The benefits of employee engagement are endless.
Employees who are engaged with their job and employers are more productive because they have the motivation beyond personal factors. It can secure employee retention, drive innovation, enhance customer satisfaction, and create a positive work culture that drives company success.
The Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT) is one of the leading examples of how a company should handle employee engagement. For Neo Kian Hong, their CEO, staff engagement should be continuous to keep pace with the changing situations. During maintenance issues, SMRT’s CEO himself will visit the site itself to perform a ground engagement. He provides employees the opportunity to discuss the issue and allows them to give suggestions.
Companies have resorted to different techniques to improve engagement in the workplace. Most of them assume that better benefits and higher pay will generally boost a worker’s overall satisfaction and commitment. But experts say these aspects won’t truly promote engagement, but it’s about paying more attention to the needs of employees. To establish a more engaged workforce, here are proven ways to drive engagement in the workplace.
Offer coaching and training
Building a culture that supports continuous development helps employees develop new and better skills required for their role. It also demonstrates how the organization trusts its employees’ potential.
The more employees feel their company is showing concern for their welfare, the more engaged they will be. A worthwhile professional development program doesn’t require a large training budget. You can provide training by cross-training employees so that people develop new skills by learning from their coworkers.
Besides training, coaching is also a key factor for engagement. To do this, managers play an essential role in implementing effective coaching programs. They have to draft development plans and employee reviews to determine what specific skills employees need to improve.
Sadly, employers are becoming hesitant about providing training opportunities because of the frequent job-hopping. One of the great benefits of employee engagement is building loyalty and attracting new talent. Employees are likely to stay at a company where their employees are investing in their careers.
Allow working flexibility
It wasn’t until the pandemic happened when employers realized that allowing employees to work from home is possible without disrupting business operations.
Remote work and flexible schedules have become the new normal because of the pandemic. These new work arrangements not only provide convenience but also support the work-life balance employees crave.
As employees return to work, companies should provide the option to work at home with a flexible work schedule. Allow employees to adjust their working hours to make time for their personal life. Doing this shows how much you value people on a more personal level. It also shows how you respect employees’ life outside work.
Even if employees are working outside the office, make sure to provide everything they need, such as digital tools, technical support, and a handy communication platform where they can stay in touch with their coworkers and keep track of meetings and company events.
Prioritize employee well-being
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a considerable toll on people’s mental well-being. Employees have faced unique challenges in embracing remote work, especially drawing a line between work and personal life. Unlike previous years, many are suffering from stress, work burnout, anxiety, and depression.
Starting a wellness initiative is an effective way to enhance employee engagement. Employees are likely to be engaged at work if their company makes an effort to improve their well-being. Employees that feel genuinely cared for and valued by their employers are more likely to return that favor.
There are plenty of ways to start a wellness initiative at work. You can provide free mental health consultations, promote healthy work habits, and organize regular social gatherings.
Driving employee engagement is a continuous process. Companies need to devote time and effort to know what people want and need. Employees constantly look for meaning and purpose at work. They don’t just need a good paycheck, but they need a reason why they should invest in their work and do more for the company. In this case, exploring engagement practices will help you discover every individual employee’s motivational factors and unique needs.
