Engage your employees if you don't want to lose them

Employee Engagement=Employee Retention

Employee engagement is different than employee satisfaction. Engaged employee is someone who is on a mission every day, which a satisfied employee may not be. Engaged employee always strive to exceed the expectations of their superiors and are self-motivated to attain their goals. When employees are highly engaged in the work, then chances of losing them doesn’t arise.

To have the highest level of employee retention, organisation must treat employees as if they matter - because employees do matter. An organisation should try to understand what employees want from their work and should strive to create such ecosystem and processes wherein employees can attain the highest level of engagement with their work and work place.

But what do HR managers need to do to attain the highest level of employee engagement? Following are proven ways to achieve the highest level of employee engagement.

What is expected from me? In order to be successful at work place, an employee must be aware of what is expected out of him/her. It is well-known fact that if employees know what is expected out from them, then there is more likelihood of deliverance of expected results. It is also helpful for the organisation to plan the roles and responsibilities of talent.  Do you have tools to get the things done? Once the expectations are set, the next step is to provide employees with the required tools, techniques and materials to get the job done. It’s critical to provide and support the individuals with specific tools.

Do some one cares for you at workplace? It is vital to create a conducive and friendly workplace. This helps in building a strong team. An organisation can achieve high level of employee engagement by building work culture wherein employee can enjoy the work and identify mutually inclusive growth opportunity for them and for the organisation.

Do you get recognition for doing good work? Good work should always be recognised and rewarded. Praise and recognition should be encouraged not only from the supervisor but also from employees to their colleagues. Human beings are always looking for praise and recognition and participation in various rewards and recognition programmes help boost the morale of the employees.

Do I get an opportunity to do what I love to do? It’s important for an organisation to assign work to their employees based on their strengths and passion. Employees should get an opportunity to do what they love so that they not only enjoy coming to work but also give their best to it.

Do you have fun at Workplace? Work place without fun can be extremely dull and boring. An organisation should strive to create a learning and fun loving workplace for their employees. The various fun programmes should also be designed according to the employee’s choice.

My Opinion Counts: It’s pertinent that an organisation makes its employees feel a part of the group and in turn the organisation. Employees should be given a platform to express their feelings, ideas, and opinions. It’s important for an organisation to identify the natural talents of its employees and utilise them accordingly.

Do you have a buddy at work? It is important for organisations to encourage employees to have a friend at work place. When employees are encouraged to talk to each other, it helps in developing trust and relationships amongst the employees, which in turn helps build a strong organisation.

Do I have a platform to learn and grow in the company? Organisations should help provide career paths and opportunities to their employees. Recent surveys have shown that the lack of learning and growth opportunity is the first major reason why employees choose to quit an organisation. Growth opportunities within the organisation help in nurturing talent and developing skills.

(The writer is Head – HR, Kale Consultants)