Employee engagement refers to an employee’s commitment to a company, motivation, and involvement in the workplace. Employee engagement strategies are used to boost these aspects and are being implemented at an increasing rate in organizations.
The role of mental health in the workplace plays a crucial role in this issue as healthier employees (both inside and outside their professional lives) have higher commitment levels. Moreover, employee engagement leads to an overall increase in productivity levels and company performance.
Ways to boost employee engagement
There are many ways to determine whether or not employee engagement is at its peak in a company; many organizations use tools and assessments to identify this. Employee retention and turnover rates are key indicators when assessing workers’ engagement.
There are several factors HR managers and managers should consider when managing teams and employees. Of course, it is advisable to take the prevention route as this will stop problems from arising in the first place. However, if that isn’t the case, there are ways to improve employee engagement even if the problem is already in course. We have highlighted 8 ways to boost employee engagement in your organization.
1. Constant performance reviews and employee feedback
It is advisable to implement performance reviews throughout the year to see how your employees are doing. Not just performance-wise but also to check in to see how they are feeling. It is important to set short and long-term goals, so employees feel they are reaching their objectives and progressing within the company.
It’s not just about you, as a manager, giving them constant feedback. Give your employees the chance to give you and the organization feedback. What do they think needs improving, what they like, and what changes they would like to suggest… This is a good chance to know how the organization can implement change by taking advice from their most important resource, their employees. This creates an environment of trust between employees and their manages and enables smooth communication.
As well as increasing employee engagement, being able to give feedback also gives the employees a sense of belonging. Knowing their voice is being heard and taken into account is an excellent way to make them feel part of the company and become a part of the changes and processes.
2. Focus on professional development
It is very frustrating for employees to feel stagnated in the workplace. Just because they have a job doesn’t mean they would not like to keep improving their skills and learning new ones. As previously mentioned, feedback meetings can also be a chance to ask employees if there is any additional training they would like or need and how this could help them make the most of their current role.
Knowing that an organization is willing to invest in your professional growth is key to gaining employee engagement. A good way to introduce training for employees can include upskilling and reskilling. Upskilling means “additional training”, which means the employee has access to new skills. On the other hand, reskilling refers to improving or refreshing skills the employee has base knowledge on.
3. Stress the importance of work-life balance
Our mental health should be our priority both inside and outside the workplace. However, this can sometimes take a step back for various reasons. Therefore, it is crucial, as a company where employees spend most of their time, to let them know that their work-life balance should be prioritized and respected.
To help employees balance both their personal and professional spheres, HR managers should implement a policy that allows flexibility. This can include giving the employees the option to choose what work format is best for their personal needs: on-site, hybrid, or remote, a critical factor that employees have started prioritizing when applying to job offers.
A study conducted by Zapier concluded that “74% of the US workforce are willing to quit a job to work remotely”. Giving employees flexibility will also benefit their personal lives, as each employee has individual and different needs, which shows that the organization cares for them both inside and outside the workplace. This flexibility can lead to greater productivity levels and save them time and money on commuting to the office.
4. Recognize and reward employees
It is essential to recognize those who do well to boost employee engagement. However, it is important to point out it shouldn’t just be those who have achieved something, but as managers, we should also recognize employees’ efforts. Positive reinforcement is a crucial way to improve employee morale. Moreover, positive reinforcement will encourage employees to keep doing what they do well, a critical element to increasing productivity and delivering results.
Here are three ways you can recognize employee successes and efforts:
- Congratulate them verbally
- Improve working conditions
- Flexible compensation
5. Implement a well-being program
There is no better way to show you value employees than listening to their demands and needs. Mental health has been an underlying issue from day one and there has been a surge in the lack of mental health support. However, since the pandemic, it has become more visible and there has been a shift in demand on behalf of employees.
Implementing mental health and well-being programs for employees can help prevent burnout, stress, and anxiety– some of the most common psychological problems employees face nowadays. Moreover, it is a key tactic when retaining employees and avoiding a high turnover rate.
Emotional well-being program for companies
At ifeel, we are experts in well-being at work, and that is why we strive to help companies create healthy and stimulating work environments for their employees.
Our psychologists have created an emotional well-being program for companies to accompany them in this process. With it, your company’s HR managers will be able to receive personalized, data-driven advice on how to improve the psychological well-being of their teams. In addition, this program offers employees a complete mental health care service structured at different levels according to their needs. Try our program now to see how it could help you.
You can also visit our Resources section, where you’ll find podcasts, HR Guides, or interviews with HR executives. Moreover, you can access a Psychosocial Risk Factors Template, which will help you comply with the Labor Inspection requirements.
We hope this post on how to boost employee engagement has given you some good ideas. Contact us to learn more about our emotional well-being program for companies. Get in touch, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
What is employee engagement?
Employee engagement refers to employees’ commitment, passion, and involvement toward their work and their organization. They feel a sense of purpose, enjoy their work, and are willing to go the extra mile to contribute to the organization’s success.
Why is employee engagement important?
Engaged employees are more likely to stay with the organization for a longer period, reducing turnover and associated costs. Engaged employees contribute to a positive work culture, which enhances teamwork, collaboration, and innovation.
How can organizations measure employee engagement?
Organizations can use various methods, which include: surveys, turnover rates, absenteeism, performance, and employee feedback.
