What is Employee Engagement? And how do you improve it?
How to Measure and Improve Employee Engagement
Employee engagement is a crucial factor in the success of any business. Engaged employees are more productive, innovative, and committed to the success of the organization. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of discretionary effort as a metric for measuring employee engagement and discuss actionable insights for improving engagement in the workplace.
Understanding Discretionary Effort
Discretionary effort refers to the work that employees are willing to do above and beyond their basic job responsibilities. It is a measure of their enthusiasm, commitment, and willingness to contribute to the success of the organization. An engaged employee is someone who is excited to be at work and actively seeks opportunities to make a positive impact.
On the other hand, employees who exhibit minimal effort, often referred to as "minimal Monday" mentality, are only doing the bare minimum required of them. This lack of engagement can have a detrimental effect on the overall performance and success of the business.
Actionable Insights for Improving Employee Engagement
1. Be a Visible Leader
One of the key factors in improving employee engagement is to be a visible leader. This means putting your face out there and making yourself known to your employees. Whether you are a CEO of a Fortune 100 company or a manager of a small team, being seen and heard consistently is essential for building trust and fostering engagement.
Additionally, meeting people where they are and using a range of communication methods can help ensure that your message is reaching all employees, regardless of their location or schedule. This may include open-door policies, virtual meetings, and asynchronous video communication.
2. Cultivate Change
Creating a culture of change and innovation can also contribute to higher levels of employee engagement. Encouraging employees to share their ideas, take on new challenges, and participate in decision-making processes can make them feel valued and invested in the success of the organization.
3. Provide Opportunities for Growth
Offering opportunities for professional development and growth can also have a positive impact on employee engagement. When employees feel that their organization is invested in their personal and professional growth, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to their work.
Final Thoughts
Measuring and improving employee engagement is essential for the success of any business. By understanding the concept of discretionary effort and implementing actionable insights such as being a visible leader, cultivating change, and providing opportunities for growth, organizations can create a more engaged and productive workforce.
Ultimately, the goal is to have employees who are as invested in the success of the business as the leaders are. By fostering a culture of engagement and empowerment, organizations can create a positive and thriving work environment for their employees.
If you have any thoughts on this topic or other metrics for measuring engagement, we would love to hear from you. Check out our video below and feel free to respond.