How to Improve Employee Engagement

Engaged employees are a company’s greatest asset. Engagement is a surefire sign that employees are productive, enjoy their work, and care about their co-workers and customers. Most importantly, studies show that highly engaged employees are less likely to quit, which allows you to hold onto top talent.

If improving employee engagement is on your radar, read on to learn how to do it right.

Why is Employee Engagement Important?

Employee engagement is one of the most important aspects of a business. Happy, engaged employees lead to a more productive and profitable company. They can also support you in creating a strong workplace culture and make your company a great place to work. 

Reducing Absenteeism

Employees that aren’t engaged at work may not feel inclined to show up every day (physically or mentally). They may not understand why their work matters or to think no one will miss them if they take a day off. 

Employees who are engaged in their work are less likely to miss days of work. Engaged employees feel a sense of ownership and responsibility for their work, and they take pride in their work. They are more likely to be productive and less likely to call in sick.

Improving Retention

Engaged employees are also less likely to leave their jobs, reducing the amount of time and money spent on recruiting and training new employees. When employees are engaged, they feel valued and appreciated. They are more likely to be committed to their work and even enjoy what they do.

How to Improve Employee Engagement

There are many ways to keep your employees engaged, from offering incentives to recognizing their achievements. By creating a workplace where employees feel valued and appreciated, you can ensure that they are engaged and motivated to do their best work.

Here are some ways to do this:

Training/Upskilling

Training and upskilling help employees learn new skills and become better equipped to do their jobs. It increases their understanding of the company’s goals and objectives, as well as its culture. 

Training can also help employees feel more connected to the company by providing them with a sense of purpose and direction. When employees are engaged and understand what is expected of them, they are more likely to be productive and contribute positively to the workplace.

Show Appreciation

In order to keep employee engagement high, it’s important to show your appreciation for their hard work. A study by the Harvard Business Review found that when employees feel appreciated, they are more likely to be engaged in their work. Some ways you can show your appreciation and improve employee engagement include:

• Thank them for a job well done.
• Give them a raise or bonus.
• Give them paid time off or let them leave early on Fridays.
• Treat them to free food, activities, or other perks. 

Prioritize Staff Well-Being 

Helping your employees take care of their physical and mental health can pave the way toward stronger engagement. When they have fewer health concerns, they have more mental space to be productive at work. Allowing breaks for exercise or stretching, bringing yoga mats into the office, or offering gym memberships gives them the tools they need to care for themselves. 

For more workplace improvement insights, head back to the Virtual Coworker blog.