The Best Ways to Boost Employee Engagement and Improve Efficiency

Employee engagement is a massive challenge for most businesses—especially with the number of changes to the working environment. Making sure your employees come to work every day with enthusiasm and motivation is essential for the efficiency and productivity of your business.

What is Employee Engagement?

An engaged employee shares the same values as the company. They are keen to contribute and will actively solve problems. Communication flows and individuals and teams reach their goals, even exceeding expectations.

Recent studies show that the majority of employees don’t feel like they are engaged at work. A global survey from Gallup found that 85 percent of workers did not feel engaged at work. If you are concerned that your employees are in this group, this article has some techniques to help.

6 Ways to Boost Employee Engagement

1. Allow for flexibility

When you offer your employees flexibility, it shows that you trust them. Not only this, but it dramatically helps with their work-life balance and, therefore, their overall happiness.

For many, we are still concerned about the traditional 9-5 workday. But in reality, this is ineffective. Some days employees will have more tasks on some days and other days less. Instead of keeping staff hanging around, allow them the chance to finish earlier. They will respect those days where they have to stay longer and will even be more productive.

2. Encourage breaks

The frequency of breaks will depend on the nature of the work. But research now suggests that people should 2. take breaks every 60 to 90 minutes. Taking regular breaks is not a sign of laziness.

The human brain can’t cope with more than around 3 hours of continuous work. However, many managers and employees seem to think that working non-stop will get more done. On the contrary, regular, short breaks can improve your focus, concentration, and decision-making abilities.

Related reading: Mistakes that hinder your productivity.

3. Be clear on goals

You can’t expect your employees to engage in company goals when they are unaware of them, or if they are unclear. You might find that they exhaust themselves trying to achieve the impossible.

When managers set goals and explain the steps to reach these goals, everyone is aware of their responsibilities. At the same time, you teach them how to set goals—a skill they can transfer to their personal life. Having goals is one of the most motivating things you can do, especially when you can celebrate the successes together.

4. Take a look at your office culture

The office culture refers to your values, behaviours, and attitudes. It also incorporates the employee’s values, behaviours, and attitudes. Combined, it’s what makes up the environment in which you all work.

Employees need to know that their opinions and beliefs are heard and respected. This helps them feel a part of something rather than just a building where they spend a large portion of their day.

5. Bring some comfort to your workplace

Offices don’t have to be rows of cubicles, symmetrical and dull. Why not try to create a more homely feel at work. If your employees can work in comfort, they will feel more engaged and relaxed at work.

Make sure there is plenty of fresh air and natural light where possible. Encourage employees to bring in their plants. It’s incredible how many people love getting free coffee—but also remember to offer healthier alternatives.

6. Provide opportunities to learn

An employee’s learning shouldn’t end after onboarding. While they have the skills to perform their responsibilities, many will also want to continue their education and progress in their career.

To increase your employee engagement, provide learning opportunities. Offer courses or time off to attend seminars. Have a look at Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) for free online courses and perhaps promote a specific course each month.