The Importance of Employee Engagement
Businesses that underestimate the importance of employee engagement, do so at their own risk. Lack of engagement will result in a lack of productivity, a decrease in profits and an increase in employee turnover.
The National Business Research Institute (NBRI) has conducted many studies to understand the facts behind employee engagement. Read on to learn what this research has shown.
How likely are employees of leaving?
Employees come and go throughout the life of a business. But employee turnover is costly to a business, both directly in terms of revenue and indirectly through lost productivity. The number one reason employees gave for wanting to leave their job was a lack of room to advance. Here is the percentage likelihood of employees leaving, in a typical company:
• They will definitely leave – 55 %
• Think they might leave – 33 %
• Are content to remain – 8 %
• Are always looking to move on – 3 %
How managers can motivate staff
Managers have the responsibility of motivating and encouraging their staff to achieve their full potential. Sadly only one out of every three employees are actually engaged at work. Some motivational methods are more effective than others. Here are some ways that managers can improve employee engagement:
• A pay rise can increase performance by 30 %
• Job redesigns can raise performance by 17 %
• Goal Setting can improve performance by 16 %
• Participation in goal-setting only improves performance by 1 %
How do disengaged workers spend their time?
Sleeping. The national sleep foundation has found that close to 30 % of U.S. workers fall asleep at some point during a work month.
Social media. Workers visiting social media websites are costing businesses up to $2.25 billion per year in lost work hours.
Playing games. In the U.S. workers collectively spend about half a million hours each year playing games online while at work.
Socialising. On average, employees spend 4.5 hours a week making idle conversations with co-workers.
Smoking. Employees who smoke are on average away from their work 50% more than fellow workers who don’t smoke.
Driving the right perceptions in a company
Ensure that employees form a positive outlook toward their job and company, by making sure the following points are satisfied.
• The management is easy to talk to and approachable.
• Employees have the equipment and resources required for their role.
• All workers are kept informed about important changes and issues by the management.
How to fully engage employees
Improving engagement is a responsibility shared by all levels of employees. Everyone has to pull their weight and work towards a greater goal.
Executive level:
• Instill trust in the workers
• Communicate clearly the company mission
• Build a culture around performance and productivity
Managerial level:
• Actively grow the skill of staff through coaching
• Build positive relationships with employees
• Open a two dialogue to engage with workers
Individual level:
• Take ownership of the role entrusted to you
• Ensure clarity in the exact details of a task
• Use all your skills and training and take action
By working together and being accountable, all members of an organisation play a part in improving productivity and engagement.