Employee engagement is the foundation of sustainable business success. Studies show that engaged employees perform better, provide better customer service, stay with a company longer, and are less likely to experience burnout.
Despite these benefits, a Gallup survey found that only about 30 percent of U.S. professionals are truly engaged in their work. This lack of engagement can have a significant impact on the economy, with lack of engagement costing companies about $450 billion to $550 billion annually.
Importantly, managers are responsible for up to 70% of the variance in employee engagement. This highlights the importance of providing managers with the skills they need to improve their team’s performance and employee satisfaction.
To increase your team’s productivity and improve your leadership skills, here are six effective strategies that will increase employee engagement and help achieve your company’s strategic goals. Six Effective Strategies Managers Can Use:
1. Evidence-Based Feedback
Effective feedback is essential to management success. Creating an environment where feedback is provided on an ongoing basis can significantly improve company performance. It is important that managers base their feedback on direct observations of employee behavior to ensure it is fact-based and free of personal bias.
2. Recognition and Appreciation
Recognizing employees’ hard work and dedication is crucial to fostering a productive work environment. Involving employees in the decision-making process and valuing their contributions can significantly increase their sense of self-determination. Celebrating successes after project completion and recognizing individual and team contributions increases motivation and retention.
3. Transparent Communication
Good communication is the foundation for successful team dynamics and collaboration. Misunderstandings can lead to project delays, low morale and missed sales targets. Fostering open communication and providing clear explanations, especially during organizational changes, helps align team efforts with business goals. Regular updates and an open-door policy for addressing concerns are essential to maintaining trust and transparency.
4. Strategic Delegation
Effective delegation demonstrates confidence in your team’s capabilities and encourages autonomy. Assigning tasks that match each employee’s skills and providing opportunities for growth can increase engagement and job satisfaction. Leveraging team members’ strengths is key to optimizing performance and satisfaction.
5. Respect and Empathy
Respect is paramount in management. Employees who feel respected are happier, more engaged, and more focused. They’re also more likely to stay with their company. Developing emotional intelligence and social awareness is key for managers to foster a respectful and supportive work environment.
6. Promote Professional Development
Supporting employees to grow and learn is beneficial to both their individual careers and the success of the company. Providing professional development opportunities and supporting employees’ educational efforts can lead to greater job responsibility and greater contributions to the company.
Building a culture of engagement requires a commitment to treating employees well, providing constructive feedback, and supporting their growth and development. By implementing these strategies, managers can increase efficiency and help their teams and organizations succeed.