Now Is the Time to Focus on Employee Engagement!

Employee engagement has been a hot topic for a few years. However, now, it’s more important than ever, mainly because so many companies have had to embrace telecommuting.

When your team is working remotely, managing engagement can be incredibly challenging. After all, your workforce isn’t reporting to an office with you, so it can be hard to gauge their sentiment, mentality, and stress levels. Plus, there are fewer opportunities for organic socializing, making it harder to form bonds and stay connected.

However, engagement can also be an issue with teams working on-site. Just because a worker is physically present doesn’t mean they aren’t having trouble focusing and remaining productive.

Luckily, some options can help. If you want to boost employee engagement, here are some tips that can make a difference.

Reach Out for Feedback

Often, you can’t tell if you have an employee engagement issue if you don’t reach out to your team. While you may assume that you’d notice if someone is suddenly struggling, that isn’t always the case.

If you’re concerned about engagement, reach out to your team for feedback. Send out anonymous surveys as a starting point. With those, you can identify potential trends in pain points, allowing you to focus on areas that have the most significant negative impact across the board.

However, don’t be afraid to schedule one-on-one meetings with each employee to have an open and honest discussion. This is especially true with remote teams where you don’t have as many opportunities for casual conversations that let you know how they are feeling. Make it clear that you want to help them thrive and are hoping to learn more about what may be holding them back. Then, work together to identify potential solutions, allowing them to take an active role in addressing the problems.

Make Recognition a Priority

Acknowledging the accomplishments of your team can make a big difference. Recognition for a job well done is a morale booster. It lets the employee know that their efforts are seen and valued, which can go a long way.

But you don’t necessarily want to stop there. Making “thank you” part of your everyday conversations is also a wise move. Simply thanking your team for sending in a deliverable isn’t just polite; it’s a feel-good moment that boosts their mood. It shows that you appreciate even the smallest efforts on their part, creating a positive culture that’s all about gratitude.

Amp Up Communication

While you don’t need to cross the line into micromanaging, making communication a priority is essential. Many employees are nervous about what the future holds since the pandemic is still a factor.

By being open and honest about the team’s state and the company, you can prevent rumors from taking hold. That can lead to stronger company culture, even if the news you share isn’t always good.

Additionally, it allows you to calm fears that may be unfounded. Gossip can be damaging, particularly if it isn’t based on truth. With regular communication, you can learn about the issues and intervene, ensuring misinformation isn’t causing unnecessary damage.

Ultimately, employee engagement needs to be a focus in 2021. With the tips above, you can make it a priority with greater ease. If you’d like to learn more about managing engagement, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us today.

 

 

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