Clarity – Employees want to be clear about the organizations’ purpose and direction. Employees want to know what their organization stands for and what goals it wants to accomplish. Knowing what direction the company is headed gives employees the opportunity to help steer toward that goal.
Communications – Communication is critical to employee engagement ideas and opinions not only must be heard but also acted upon when appropriate. Nothing is worse than feeling like you haven’t been listened to and employees want to know that their opinions and thoughts matter.
Proper Tools and Resources – You have to start by asking employees if they have the proper tools, material, equipment and resources to do the best job they can. Actually acting on employee requests for new materials and resources in a timely manner is the rest of the job.
Workplace Wellness- Research proves that employee engagement accelerates in an organization when it demonstrates authentic concern for the wellness and development of every employee. Ask employees for comments, suggestions and ideas about improving the wellness and balance of their workplace – encourage involvement.
Recognition and Appreciation – Recognition reinforces accomplishments, shows the person in a positive light and helps to ensure there will be more achievements in the future. A tailored recognition and rewards plan that caters to the unique needs of the workforce further maximizes the benefits.
Make Work Fun – People who love their jobs do not just for the pay, but because they enjoy going to work and find it fun and engaging. Workplace fun has been shown to boost employee morale, lower absenteeism and increase creativity.
Opportunities to Learn and Grow – Organization’s should evaluate their employee learning, training and career development policies and action plans. Focusing on educational opportunities that offer maximum benefit to employees maximizes the return on the investment for employers.
Freedom to Be Passionate and Creative – People want to work with an organization that taps into their talents, passion, energy and drive, where each employees potential is encouraged and nurtured. Employee morale, commitment and retention go up dramatically when organizations are paying attention to the greater, more important employee needs for creative freedom and passionate expression.
High-trust Environment – Trust is the highest form of human compliment and motivation. It brings out the very best in employees when companies trust that they will generally make sound decisions within the established guidelines. Employees must trust that the company will continue to do as it says it will. Trust is the basis for all relationships – business and personal – it can be earned, but just as easily lost.
Making Progress in One’s Work -When employees are making measurable progress in their job they are much more satisfied. Research has shown that the number one workplace motivation factor for employees – what makes them enthusiastic about their work – is making progress. When progress is occurring, employees are more positive and their drive to succeed is at its peak.
