A recent Gallup Poll showed that more than 70% of US workers are not engaged or are actively disengaged at work. The #1 reason? The quality of their leadership. Employee buy-in is something every leader should be concerned with. In January, we discussed ways to keep your staff motivated and engaged during the winter months. But, this isn’t just a seasonal concern: Employee engagement is a key to running a better performing business that leads to growth. Here are some simple rules that we follow at The Alternative Board-Denver West to encourage improved employee buy-in and overall engagement.
Rule of Engagement #1: Focus on growth
Employees want to know that they are on a path to something larger within the company. Just as you want to see your company grow, employees want to know they are growing with the company as well. Acknowledging their investment and providing a clear path for them will keep the employee focused, fulfilled and working toward a shared goal. Six-month check-ins will help you and the employee stay on task.
Rule of Engagement #2: Recognize and reward
While company leaders may gain intrinsic rewards simply for doing what they do each day, employees naturally don’t have that same level of investment. So, to encourage them to keep up the good work, it is necessary to recognize and reward their efforts. Copying an employee on an email recognizing their great idea to a superior or giving them a handwritten note thanking them for their performance are gestures that can go a long way. Oftentimes, these simple acts of recognition can be every bit as powerful as a raise or promotion. Public recognition will also go a long way towards giving providing satisfaction for your team members.
Rule of Engagement #3: Trust and be trusted
Employees need to trust your leadership. To gain trust, you have to walk the walk. Keep your commitments, be transparent and always act with the same level of ethical standards you would expect from your team members. Setting this positive example will encourage your team to follow in your footsteps. Allow them to! Let them step up and find their place in the company.
If you need guidance on how to apply these rules of engagement in the workplace, get in touch.
By Blair Koch
