Employee engagement can be tough. Many employers think the occasional pat on the back is the key to keeping employees happy, but new evidence is suggesting they need more than this. 
Recent research detailed on TLNT studied how employees think and feel as they go about their work in the office. The researchers found employees are most engaged and productive when employers enable them to move forward in their work and treat them decently as actual human beings–not just workers. But how can employers ensure they’re going about employee engagement correctly? TLNT offers a some tips, a few of which are outlined below:
Teach employees how to manage time and energy wisely. From the get-go, your workers should know how to fully engage in their assignments, and to “focus on the important rather than the urgent.” Teach them how to identify and prioritize important aspects of their work so their time in the office is used effectively.
Identify and adjust to specific motivators. It’s important to communicate with your employees and find out what sorts of things motivate them in the office. Too many employers enact strict, top-down managerial styles that don’t take into account employee needs–and how are you going to identify your employees’ motivators if you don’t have two-way communication? Ask your employees what helps them to succeed, and be willing to adjust your managerial style accordingly. If employees are motivated by recognition, figure out how to give them praise in a meaningful way. It can also help to find ways to acknowledge your employees in front of their peers. If your employees are motivated by rewards, identify both economic and noneconomic ways you can give them recognition.
Discuss your employee’s goals outside of work. Identify what your employees want to achieve in their careers and personal lives. Remember, the most highly motivated individuals are those who are fulfilled both inside and outside of the office. If an employee gains motivation and drive from volunteering, allow them the work and time flexibility to do so. Ensuring employees are engaged in their personal lives can help them to excel in your office as well.
You can check out a few more tips for engaging employees on TLNT.
Have you found any good practices for employee engagement? Share with us in a comment below.
