In this space we recently cited “high performance culture” as the ultimate strategic imperative. In the age of AI, this is more true than ever, but in today’s usage, this goal is termed “employee engagement.” As a search term, Google reports that it has been trending steadily upward since 2004 with a very sharp spike just over a year ago.
So what are reliable ways to boost employee engagement? The answer is shocking in its simplicity. In spite of what expensive consultants may tell us, improving employee engagement is really just a matter of common sense. Here are the elements:
Trust
Employees need to trust you. Communicate openly, authentically, and frequently. Regular communication is key to building a strong relationship with employees. Be transparent and clear about expectations, goals, and company updates.
Justice
Recognize and reward good work. Appropriate recognition and rewards make employees feel valued and respected. This should include everything from verbal praise to bonuses and promotions. But don’t forget to punish where appropriate. Employees can spot favoritism a mile away. Sub-par performance requires a just response.
Fun
Your grandfather might find this point surprising. “Spare the rod, spoil the employee” was likely a resonant phrase throughout most of the1900s. Times have changed for the better. Now we know that companies with a positive work environment experience the benefits of superior employee engagement. In this category, be sure to cover the basics like a comfortable workspace, good relationships with coworkers, and a culture that promotes work-life balance.
For over 25 years, Fortune has been publishing a list of the best places to work. If you doubt the correlation between happy employees and business success, you should take a look.
Agency
Empower employees to take ownership of their work. Giving employees agency, control over actions and their consequences, makes them feel respected. Agency is life! Look for ways to involve employees in decision-making and to get their creative input.
Tribe
Foster a sense of community. Building a sense of community bonds employees. The all-for-one-and-one-for-all feeling is very uplifting and motivating. There is a solid return on effective team-building activities, company outings, and opportunities for socializing.
Hope
We all want to have a better life tomorrow. Nothing saps engagement quicker than a “dead-end job.” And the contrary is also true. Nothing invigorates employees more than feeling like they are on a rising career development path. A well-designed L&D and upskilling program gives employees daily inspiration. It offers purpose and direction and can be very motivating.
Learning new skills can help employees to feel more confident in their abilities. This can lead to greater engagement and willingness to take on new challenges. When employees acquire new skills, they are likely to perform better in their roles. This can lead to a sense of accomplishment and a feeling of being valued, which further increases engagement.