Entrepreneurs – How Do You Keep Your Employees Engaged?

DISENGAGEMENT IN THE WORKFORCE is a problem that, according to Gallup, most companies face. Their stat is over 87% of employees are disengaged. This is a recipe for failure and will never promote long term success of a business. Employee turnover is expensive, and destroys the engagement in the company.

Employees will disengage for several reasons….yet, there are solutions that will keep your workforce happy and engaged.

They don’t feel like the company cares about them and feel like they are just a number. People want to feel valued. This isn’t rocket science….stop treating employees like they are disposable and start appreciating all the value they provide your company. Simple things can go a long way to achieve this. Thank them when they do a great job at something or go beyond the call of duty. Greet them in the morning and at the end of the day. Have short but meaningful conversations…. ie: Did your son win his game last night Joe? Ah that’s fabulous! Think for a moment how little time something like this takes. Yet sadly, most employers would never think of this, and treat their people like cogs on the wheel.

No one wants to stay stuck in life….people want to learn & grow. Give your people the opportunity to raise the bar in their knowledge, this is a win/win for them and for your company. It will build their knowledge, confidence, leadership and personal responsibility, which of course will be of benefit to you as well as the employer.

Show them you trust them and their decisions. People will live into the shoes in front of them. It is amazing how having high expectations of people and giving them the space to create and find solutions, how they will pull out their best and demonstrate what they are truly capable of.

We naturally want to be a part of something meaningful. Help your employees understand the value your business brings to the table, and get their input and ideas on how to be of more service and value. Westjet has done a great job of this in the last couple of years with their Christmas campaign (click here )

This is connected to know they are valued….they want to know what they do makes a difference. If an employee feels it doesn’t matter if they call in sick or don’t show up for work, they will not bring their best to the workplace. Knowing it is important that you perform your work duties (even if it’s from home) helps people take on a higher level of personal responsibility.

Company owners that share the vision of where the company is headed will build trust in their employees. This fits in with wanting to be a part of something meaningful. It’s exciting to be a part of something bigger than yourself.

As the visionary leader of your business, it is up to you to take on the leadership role to create happy, engaged employees. When they are happy, feel valued, are learning, growing and feel a part of something meaningful, they are more engaged, they trust you and are more loyal. This is a recipe for success in any company.


As featured on:  http://bizcatalyst360.com/entrepreneurs-how-do-you-keep-your-employees-engaged/