leadership development

"Employee Engagement 101: Answers to Your Most Pressing Questions"

Employee disengagement is a pervasive issue that affects businesses of all sizes and industries. Studies show that disengaged employees have higher absenteeism rates, lower productivity, and are more likely to leave their jobs, resulting in increased recruitment and training costs for the company. This problem can lead to decreased morale and overall performance, ultimately affecting the bottom line. According to a study by SHRM, companies with highly engaged employees have a 59% lower turnover rate than companies with low engagement levels. Engaged employees are less likely to leave their jobs, which can save a company time and money in recruiting, training, and lost productivity. As a leader, it's crucial to address this issue head-on and create a work environment that fosters engagement and productivity. 

This blog post answers clients' most frequently asked questions about maximizing employee engagement and retention. This post is a must-read for leaders seeking to develop a high-performing, engaged workforce that contributes to the overall success of their business. By the end of this post, readers will have a comprehensive understanding of the best practices for creating a work environment that maximizes employee engagement and retention. 

1. What is employee engagement, and why is it important? 

Employee engagement refers to commitment, motivation, and passion for work and organization. It is essential because highly engaged employees are more productive, creative, and innovative. They are also more likely to stay with the company, which reduces turnover costs and fosters a positive work culture.

2. How can leaders measure employee engagement?

Leaders can measure employee engagement through surveys, feedback sessions, performance metrics, and turnover rates. Surveys can include questions about employee satisfaction, motivation, and organizational commitment. Feedback sessions can be conducted one-on-one or in groups, providing valuable insights into employee attitudes and concerns. Performance metrics can help leaders understand how engaged employees are in their work, while turnover rates can indicate whether employees are satisfied with their jobs and the company.

3. What are some strategies leaders can use to increase employee engagement? 

There are many strategies leaders can use to increase employee engagement, including providing regular feedback, offering opportunities for growth and development, creating a positive work culture, recognizing and rewarding employees, promoting work-life balance, and encouraging open communication and collaboration.

4. How can leaders maintain employee engagement over time?

Leaders can maintain employee engagement over time by consistently demonstrating their commitment to employee well-being, encouraging ongoing learning and development, promoting a positive work culture, providing regular feedback and recognition, and offering opportunities for employees to voice their concerns and provide feedback.

5. What are some common mistakes leaders make when increasing employee engagement? 

Some common mistakes leaders make when trying to increase employee engagement include the following:

  • Not providing enough feedback or recognition.

  • Failing to address employee concerns and complaints.

  • Not offering enough opportunities for growth and development.

  • Not promoting work-life balance. Creating a hostile work culture.

Leaders need to be mindful of these mistakes and take steps to avoid them to maximize employee engagement effectively. Don't let disengaged employees hurt your bottom line. Schedule a consultation today and learn how we can help you boost engagement and productivity.


Three Effective Functions of a True Leader

According to Parker Follet: "The power of integration is the power of leadership. The leader brings out the best in us, bringing together and concentrating what we only feel gropingly and shatteringly. He is a person who gives shape to every man's uncoarctate vitality. The person who has the greatest influence on me is not the one who performs great deeds, but the one who makes me believe that I can perform great deeds."

There are many sources such as podcasts and books available suggesting the effective characteristic of a great leader. However, leaders are made and not born. With proper mentoring and hands-on experience with an added daily dose of leadership knowledge, you can become an effective leader for any organization.

True leaders work side by side with the people they lead to get to know and care about the people they lead. Leaders may lift and encourage their teams by working alongside them. Teaching people involves people management. Team members follow a leader with his instructions and as a role model, and his management style should include the following:

ENGAGE PEOPLE

A true leader can bring people together. They do not want division. Thecommunicate and coach subordinates for optimum performance of a variety of tasks assigned. The mother of contemporary management, Mary Parker Follet, felt that management was the art of getting things done via people. A true leader should engage people in a team. These involve listening to employees' feedback, responding to show empathy, using positive communication between the group, and finding the right solution to a given problem with team effort. Managers and supervisors are leaders where the success of the business is in their hands.

Understand that people you lead want to be valued and challenged.

ENABLE PEOPLE

Companies should have leadership that will enable the full potential of others. Helping people to develop to their full potential is ideal for the success of a business. Leadership is about allowing others to reach their best potential; this is a crucial characteristic of a strong leader; they understand how to get the most out of others. Great leaders become one as great top leaders have mentored them.

ENERGIZE PEOPLE

People may get tired in the daily routine of their job. It is essential to tap on what inspires them, reward their achievement by appreciation, show respect, listen to them and lead by example. Make their daily work energizing. Help people leap from what is impossible to possible. As a leader, be enthusiastic and encouraging with your people. Before implementing some company plan or changes, let the people think out of the box. The people's suggestions and ideas can spark their flame of passion for work. People will get great enthusiasm with the compelling vision from an enthusiastic leader.