5 Steps Employers Can Take To Keep Their Employees Engaged

Introduction

According to a 2020 – 2022 employee survey by Gallup, the number of employees who were disengaged at their workplace dropped from 36% to 32%, and this downward trend seems to only be increasing. Based on a study done by Forbes, employees who are disengaged can cost a company up to 34% of their salary. 

One of the challenges that employers and HR leaders face is getting their employees to be more engaged at work. According to the survey by Gallup, an employee who is engaged and inspired produces better results through their work than employees who are indifferent about their work.

As such, no matter what industry or size is your company, as a leader in a company, working towards increasing employee engagement would greatly benefit you and your employees. Check out these 5 steps that you can take to keep employees more engaged at work.

1. Live Out Company Values

Firstly, effective communication is key. Employers should foster an environment where employees feel informed and heard. This includes sharing company updates, promoting open discussions, and addressing concerns promptly. Additionally, transparent communication builds trust and rapport.

When employees see the company values lived out through its decisions, they begin to connect with the culture and develop trust in its leadership.

2. Offer Flexible Working Arrangements

Secondly, employees need opportunities to grow and develop. Employers can offer training programs, workshops, and mentoring sessions to enhance their skills. Consequently, this helps employees feel valued and motivated to contribute their best.

There is a rapid shift in working trends as more companies are embracing a flexible work environment with great success. Though flexibility can mean something different to each employee, depending on the type of work they do, the goal of flexible working arrangements is to help individuals feel comfortable and supported to work when and where they choose.

3. Recognise and Reward Good Performance

Thirdly, recognizing and rewarding achievements go a long way. Employers should celebrate employee accomplishments, both big and small. Moreover, offering incentives, bonuses, or personalized rewards can boost morale and foster a sense of appreciation.

In fact, more than 91% of HR professionals acknowledged the importance of genuine recognition and reward to inspire and create engagement for employees.

4. Upskill Managers to Coach Employees

Moreover, every individual employee has their own unique set of strengths and weaknesses, so it is important that strong managers understand that well and make adjustments based on how each individual performs best in a team in order to create a strong and cohesive team of individuals who are engaged and motivated. 

5. Implement Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Lastly, an EAP is a great support tool that your employees can rely on for their mental wellbeing. If you are serious about keeping your team engaged, implementing the right EAP for your team can have many immediate benefits.

EAPs can help employers or leaders take care of the most valuable asset of a company – the people, and keeps everyone inspired and engaged to be at their best in the workplace.

Here at Relationary, we offer a diverse range of evidence-based services to support our client’s needs for EAP and mental healthcare needs. Learn more about our services here.