Engaging and retaining employees is critical to an organization’s…to help boost engagement, including incorporating performance coaching, establishing a cause and implementing employee incentive programs.
Engaging and retaining employees is critical to an organization’s survival, let alone its success. Â Employees who are engaged provide better customer service, are more productive, happy and more likely to be loyal to an organization.
However, currently, only Opens a new window 15 percentOpens a new window of employees worldwide are engaged in their jobs. With 85 percent of employees disengaged in the office, companies are struggling to attract new talent and maintain efficient operations – which is the reason why increasing employee engagement and retention is one of the most pressing challenges businesses face today. Fortunately, there are multiple strategies and programs businesses can put in place to help boost engagement and retain staff.
Incorporating performance coaching
The single biggest element that causes employees to disengage is fear – fear of embarrassment, fear of underperforming and fear of their boss. In order to eliminate fear, company leadership teams can incorporate one-on-one performance conversations on a consistent basis. By regularly meeting to discuss each individual’s performance, employers can provide feedback and ensure staff members not only understand what’s expected of them, but also make sure they have the skills and resources they need to be successful.. Better understanding of what success looks like creates greater motivation to reach it.
The key to successful performance coaching is fostering a candid conversation, which includes listening to the employee. Increasing regular communication will demonstrate to employees that they are valued, tear down boundaries, and help an organization pinpoint and quickly address problems as they arise.
Establishing a cause
Studies prove 71 percent of employees who volunteer through workOpens a new window report feeling better about their employer, which is why finding a purpose through work is one of the top drivers of engagement amongst employees. Bringing employees together to contribute to a cause can increase engagement and employee retentionOpens a new window in two ways. First, companies can create a more unified environment when employees are working together to help the community and make an impact. Second, service projects and corporate causes present an opportunity to help employees cultivate closer relationships. Research by Gallup has long established the relationship between levels of engagement and friendship. The data argues that having a best friend at work can help employees become more engaged and create a more productive workplace. In addition, having friends at work can help workers feel more connected to the organization, leading to increased well-being and happiness. A shared cause is a powerful way to unite employees and in turn establishes a sense of purpose and builds a network of relationship amongst employees that can strengthen performance and increase engagement.
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How to Engage Employees in 2020: 10 Impactful SolutionsOpens a new window
Implementing employee incentive programs
Another great way to drive employee retention is to implement incentive programs that will benefit employees, as well as help companies overcome barriers to employment.
For instance, businesses can partner with companiesOpens a new window that reward commuters with cash incentives. Employees who share a ride with one or more of their colleagues can earn $.01 to $.10 per mile or more depending on the reward rules set by their place of work. By incorporating incentive programs based on transit behaviors, your company can help recruit employees from greater distances and retain them over time when the cost of transportation is simply a higher burden on distant employees. Ridesharing directly reduces carbon emissions, connecting employees to another social good purpose.
Additionally, the social aspect of a carpooling programs presents a tremendous opportunity for employees at all levels to connect and cultivate a close or even mentor-like bond. Working together in an incentive program like ridesharing creates a sense of getting together and being a part of each others lives – a concept employees increasingly hunger for in a society where the level of depth we have about each other is in often what’s on their social media.
When riding together or participating in another company-wide incentive program that requires two or more employees to engage with one another, those employees can also talk about work. They can share insights on how the organization runs, their roles and big projects, as well as talk about ways to contribute more to the company.