What is engagement?

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Employee engagement is a proven accelerator for growth and business success. The only medium through which the engagement of employees can be achieved is a group of fully dedicated leaders.

Where does engagement begin?

Engaged leaders create engaged employees. Engagement always begins with the leaders, not the employees. If the leaders are trying to motivate the employees to engage and they as leaders are not engaged themselves with their employees, then any investment in engagement training will be basically lost. In most cases, the direct supervisor is the main influence behind an employee’s resignation from a company. If the manager is truly disliked and not approachable, many talented employees will listen to the sirens of job offerors and leave in pursuit of something (or someone) better.

Do leaders’ efforts really count?

Research shows that trustworthy constructive communication is key to employee engagement. However, communication can take many forms, so it is important that the correct media are used when delivering any message or feedback.

The vast majority of employees want to know how their efforts contribute to the goals of the company. It can be highly demotivating for employees to work many hours without really knowing what direction they are taking. Employees will accept the difficult periods if their sense of purpose is clear, and they are given a fair treatment, safety, recognition, and respect. A clear job description and role clarification will explain the essence of what is expected from the employee in the workplace, but they do not solve all problems. Employees will look for direction in their own specific way, their sense of priorities and their need for support may differ, and their understanding of their manager’s expectations may need more or less clarification based on their personality.

Regular interaction and feedback will always encourage engagement from the employee. Great leaders are excellent communicators and great coaches.

Recognition and Feedback, does it make a difference?

We all enjoy receiving recognition for good work and receiving regular praise will again encourage engagement; however, this praise should have meaning and value. Simply telling someone everyday well done when it’s not crystal clear what was done well can have an adverse effect. Feedback is about clarity and facts. It is an important motivator that will also boost employee engagement.

A leader may often have to make difficult decisions for the company, like introducing a major change. If employees feel free to share their thoughts, ideas, and even fears, then engagement will also be guaranteed even during hard times. The employee’s perception of a leader also changes from being the one in charge to actually being the one trying to make a difference.

How companies help leaders boost engagement?

Many managers often fail to engage their employees because they do not understand the mechanisms behind the way an organization functions and the synergies that can be created between its components and the available resources. The major resource, the most expensive and volatile being the human resource.

And there is no training on engagement that will deliver when given to employees. Employees’ engagement is strictly about training and coaching the managers on how to engage the employees.

We firmly believe that leadership skills, including a thorough knowledge of the structures and culture within the organization, a highly developed communication skill, and strong techniques of people management will be the cornerstone of any engagement project. Engage and develop your managers, turn them into leaders, and your employees will ultimately follow.

DEPCO: Tips to managers: How to develop a sense of engagement in employees

Desire. Having the desire to want to see the company and the inspirational leader succeed is a big motivator.

Effort. A joint effort from the team creates group engagement. If one can rely on colleagues as well as the manager for support in good and bad times, the commitment and engagement are strong.

Pride. Inspiring pride in the organization and loyalty (thus longevity) creates a natural engagement.

Communication. Taking the decision to communicate through many media will challenge the fears and pull the workforce together.

Openness. Having the ability and opportunity to speak up and provide recommendations even if they are not quite the answer allows the employee to feel they matter to the company.

We give your business longer life.