Study after study has proven that engaged employees, employees who care, lead to increased productivity, better customer service, and increased commitment to the mission. As a result, efficiencies increase, waste decreases, and citizens are happier. If you don’t believe me, check out Kevin Kruse’s compilation of the employee engagement research.
So how do you create Employee Engagement:
Here are eleven no cost ideas for Employee Engagement:
- Share big picture and organizational plans early and often.
- Enlist employee participation in goal setting for the work unit.
- Conduct regular “keep interviews” – conversations about what will “keep” the
employee motivated, engaged, and retained. - Give employees ample opportunity to own their assigned projects and progress.
- Communicate reasonable expectations and check with employees to make sure they are clear on those expectations.
- Give frequent and immediate feedback so employees know when they are meeting your expectations.
- Give specific and timely feedback when employees are not meeting your expectations.
- Ask employees to make recommendations for addressing on-going organizational challenges.
- Seek customer feedback and share it directly with employees in a timely manner.
- Break away from micro-managing. Set expectations and allow space for employees to learn.
- Create a reward system to reinforce the positive behaviors you expect.
“We don’t have the budget,” is not an excuse for creating a work environment where employees feel valued and want to give all for the organization. A recent study of human resources managers found that most believe the best way to remedy low morale and disengagement in the workplace is to improve communication. What’s stopping you?
This article was adapted from a portion of chapter eight of Painless Performance Conversations: A Practical Approach to Critical Day-to-Day Workplace Discussions. Find out more about this valuable resource at
