How to Improve Employee Engagement

The other day I was talking to an old co-worker of mine and she was telling me how so many people were leaving her particular company recently. They each had their individual reasons, but she couldn’t quite figure out why so many people were quitting.  We joked around about some explanations like; the candy dish was always out of mints, or Larry in the corner cubicle smelled. Although we looked at the humorous side of the situation, high turnover rates can be detrimental to companies.

Good managers know that happy employees are loyal, hardworking, and effective employees. They stay faithful to the company and help drive its success. In browsing through some articles I found five different ways companies can improve employee engagement.

1.       Give Employees More Control

“Happiness is affected by [employees'] sense of control over their lives,” says Gretchen Rubin, author of the book The Happiness Project.

Employers should look for ways to give employees more control over their schedules, work environment, and work habits. For instance, employers could offer flexibility for their work schedules such as flextime or telecommuting. These days our demanding schedules continue long after we clock out from the workday, and many employees appreciate a boss who is considerate to a work-life balance. Because every person’s obligations outside of work are different, customized schedules are a great way to improve worker satisfaction.

Employers should also encourage employees to customize their workstations. This could include things like pictures and other items that make them feel more comfortable in their workspace. This not only gives employees some control over their work environments, but it can ease individual hardships like back pain or eyestrain. In addition, studies show that certain colors or décor can improve happiness. Employees will therefore be able to create a place they enjoy working in rather than being stuck in a bland office cubicle.

2.       Encourage Social Connections

Socialization is a key component of happiness. “Interacting with others gives people a boost in mood – surprisingly, this is true even for introverts,” writes Rubin.

Employers should find ways to encourage social relationships and design an office arrangement that raises communication. Arrange workstations so employees can see each other and talk. Employers can also encourage office celebrations for holidays and birthdays. These celebrations do not need to be expensive. It can be as simple as asking everyone to bring in a covered dish. Even when there is no reason to celebrate, encourage employees to eat lunch together. Provide a comfortable eating area.

Socialization doesn’t have to be limited to traditional office hours. Encourage out of office gatherings like volunteer programs. This gives employees a chance to develop relationships outside of the office while promoting the company in a positive way. Community service is a great way to build a positive reputation, and it is a happiness booster for all the employees that participate.

3.       Promote Good Health

Poor health is not only damaging to employees’ bodies, it can also have a negative impact on your business. “Up to 90% of all doctor visits in the United States are for stress-related illnesses,” according to Dr. Mehet Oz of the Dr. Oz Show. Chronic stress has a wide variety of negative side effects including weight gain, lower immune system, increased risk of disease, and fatigue. Employers should encourage employees to reduce stress levels and improve their overall health.

Employers need to first educate employees on these and other health topics. They can provide reading materials or offer seminars. It’s hard for people to make positive health changes if they don’t know what to change or how to change it.

Once employees know more about health topics such as stress, exercising, and healthy eating, start a health related competition within your company. This offers employees motivation and a support system. (This will simultaneously foster more socialization, killing two birds with one stone!) If the entire office is involved, employees will be more likely to accomplish their goals.

To help employees make positive lifestyle changes, have a kitchen equipped with a refrigerator and microwave to prepare healthy meals. Research shows that preparing food is a much healthier option than eating out. Also, encourage breaks throughout the day. Even small amounts of exercise, like walking, throughout the day are beneficial. If possible, offering a discount on gym memberships is a great way to help motivate your employees to make healthy lifestyle changes.

4.       Create an Atmosphere of Growth

Jobs are more than a source of income for most people. Jobs are a venue for employees to grow and learn. In a survey based on the works of Susan Herrington, North Tennessee Private Industry Council about employee motivation, employees ranked job characteristics that motivated them. Surprisingly, high wages and promotions were not even in the top three. Instead, the number one desire for employees was “Full Appreciation of Work Being Done.”

Employers can create an atmosphere of growth by providing training, acknowledging benchmarks, and celebrating accomplishments. Employers should also encourage employees to learn new skills by going to conferences and workshops. Employees will become bored and lose motivation if they are never given an opportunity to expand their skills and responsibilities.

5.       Break Up Routines

Surprises add a little spark to life, including the workplace. Even a small treat can boost people’s happiness as well as give us a kick from an unexpected gift. These don’t need to be huge by any means but employers should look for small ways to surprise employees. Occasionally bringing in a special treat such as coffee or baked goods are small gestures that show employees that you appreciate the time they’re putting in.

Another idea is to host an office party for a quirky holiday. Employers could even allow employees to make up their own holiday for your company. For example, March 4^th could be ‘We’re four months from the 4^th of July’ party where employees can bring in their favorite 4^th of July dish. Remember, you can celebrate anything.  Again, this does not need to be expensive. The keys are breaking up the routine of the workweek, promoting socialization, and demonstrating your appreciation.

I’m not suggesting your company do all of the things I mentioned in this post, but try implementing one or two at your own office and watch as the engagement of your employee increases, as well as your profit line.

Stephanie Peterson  |  Strategic Communications and Marketing Coordinator

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