What are “engaged employees”?
Engaged employees, as defined by the Gallup organization, are “those who are highly involved in, enthusiastic about and committed to their work and workplace”. We know that when people feel valued, the sky is the limit. While the pandemic has made workplace engagement more challenging with its volatility and remote work requirements, the need for interpersonal connection remains. In fact, employee involvement may be more important than ever amid this unsettled business landscape.
Please read on as we examine some important facts about employee engagement and why your HR department holds the key to mastering it.
1. Engagement affects the bottom line.
Time and time again, studies have shown that companies with engaged workforces vastly outperform those without them:
- A 2020 Gallup poll found that involved, committed employees are an astonishing 202% more productive than their less engaged counterparts.
- A mere 21% of employees in the U.S. consider themselves “very engaged” at work, according to the Workforce Institute 2021 Engagement and Retention Report. This lack of engagement costs businesses an astonishing $550 billion annually.
- Alignment with an organization’s values is the #1 predictor of employee engagement, according to the Workplace Research Foundation.
- The Foundation also noted that workers who feel valued by their employers are far more likely to deliver better customer experiences, driving consumer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Retention gets a boost too, because engaged employees are 87 percent less likely to leave a company, says a Hays Recruiting 2018 study.
2. People-focused HR is a primary architect of employee engagement.
While all departments throughout the organization have responsibility for performing and supporting employee engagement measures, human resources is especially vital to this effort. They have the expertise to know what methods best drive workforce engagement, how these tactics can be measured, and the steps required for its continuous improvement. Here are some of the many ways HR can and should play a key role in boosting engagement in your organization.
3. Hiring for cultural fit
During the interview process, it’s essential to consider each applicant’s “cultural fit” with the company. Will the prospective candidate complement the culture and values? After the initial onboarding, the HR professional plays an important role in sustaining this commitment to culture by consistently reinforcing company values to employees at all levels of the organization.
4. Highlighting the value of individual contributions
In many organizations, HR is responsible for overseeing the annual performance appraisal process. Rather than being solely focused on assessing and managing performance, human resources can also utilize it as a vehicle for facilitating employee engagement by helping staff members understand the bigger picture and how their role fits into it. Creating a clear link between company-wide business objectives and individual goals ensures that each staff member feels pride in their work and a strong sense of personal contribution.
5. Improving internal communications
Remote workforces have become the norm over the past 18 months. In this environment, it’s easy for employees to feel disconnected from their colleagues. Regular and frequent internal communications are essential to ensuring that the workforce is kept in the loop, up to date, and involved. Often these communications are HR’s responsibility, along with additional support from other departments. Whether it’s a change to your organization’s policies or important company updates, sharing news can go a long way to boosting employee engagement.
6. Acknowledging excellence
Does your organization regularly and publicly recognize great work? Going the extra mile to make recognition an integral part of your company culture is a wise investment. It can produce a positive company-wide vibe and provide the motivation for other staff members to improve their own performance. Human resources should encourage all employees to show appreciation for their co-worker’s contributions. Whether that means creating a system for staff members to thank one another publicly or introducing an awards program, recognition is an essential part of an engaged workforce.
Thriving employees improve the daily productivity, culture, and success of every company. HR plays a critical role in ensuring a positive working environment where all employees feel valued and appreciated.
For 25 years, The HR Team has been helping companies develop customized employee engagement strategies that work for their unique culture. Please reach out to our knowledgeable professionals to find out how we can assist your organization, too.
About The HR Team: Founded in 1996, The HR Team is a Maryland-based human resources outsourcing firm committed to developing strategic, customized solutions that respond to the unique needs and cultures of organizations of all types and sizes. Available as a one-source alternative to an in-house HR department or on an à la carte project basis, the company’s flexible service models address the full spectrum of HR needs that many organizations struggle to address. The HR Team helps clients achieve their highest level of success by providing value-driven human resources services that leave them time to focus on what they do best: directing business growth and profitability. Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, the firm serves all of Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia. To learn more about The HR Team, call 410.381.9700 or visit https://www.thehrteam.com/.
