Engaging your employees is a key factor for both retention and productivity, which in turn, will greatly influence your company’s bottom line. Mastering the art is easier than you think. Yes, it takes both commitment and consistent application, but the ROI is outstanding. “C” your way to the top as an employee-centric company that is an engaging place to work.

Culture: Engagement begins with atmosphere.

  • Set the stage for a company culture that is positive, happy, and inviting.
  • Encourage a culture that invites and rewards teamwork.
  • Stop negativity and gossip before it begins, by setting a standard of appreciation, recognition, and caring.
  • Establish guidelines of behavior, but don’t be rule rigid.
  • Create coworker connections through office events – both on the job and after hours
  • Provide food. Hot coffee – the good stuff – is a plus. So are donut days, once-a-month carry-ins, etc.

Caring: Engagement happens when your employees know you care.

  • Keep an open door – be approachable.
  • Know your employees by name. If your company is far too large to do that, you can still say hi, smile, and chat a moment.
  • If your company is small enough, dig deeper. Know about their family, their hobbies, etc.
  • Create community by being involved. Attend the company events. Participate in office pools.
  • Be sincere, genuine, honest – share a part of you.
  • Establish a sense of trust by keeping your word – stand behind your promises.

Communication: Engagement requires ongoing communication.

  • Be clear and concise – ensure that every employee fully understands your expectations concerning their position.
  • Establish mutually defined objectives and goals, it will focus activities and measure success.
  • Listen – it’s an essential part of communication.
  • Give prompt, thoughtful feedback – show that their comments and ideas matter.
  • When changes occur, ensure that all parties involved are aware – don’t depend on word-of-mouth.
  • Don’t throw curve balls and surprises.

Cultivate: Engagement flourishes when your employees flourish.

  • Provide training for new employees – assign a mentor/go to person to help them get established.
  • Encourage employees in their career development. Provide incentives for continued education.
  • Send employees to work-related seminars and/or conferences
  • Host in-house special training days.
  • Align employee to compatible roles and responsibilities –it encourages maximum effectiveness.
  • Give them freedom to perform and the authority needed to match responsibility.

Compliment: Praise seals the deal on engagement.

  • Take time to recognize the little things that make a difference in the big picture. Like consistency in being on time, keeping an organized work area, reaching out to other employees.
  • Praise your employees right when they earn it – not just once a year at their review
  • Be specific in your praise. For example, “Thank you for revising those documents – your thoroughness made my job much easier.”
  • Written notes make a difference.
  • When appropriate, give tangible thanks and praise – early leave time on a Friday, a gift card, a catered lunch if you’re thanking the whole team.
  • Public recognition – unless that’s the last thing they want, of course.

Following these tips will help you engage your employees from entry-level to top talent. Partnering with Robbins Staffing will ensure that you start with best-fit employees. Contact us today and discover the difference we can make together.