“As long as I get my salary at the end of the month” This is a common saying among employees who just want to work to get paid. Some do not care about what is being built or the mission of the company.
Now, imagine a company where each employee acts as if the business belongs to them. If anything goes wrong they feel responsible . They guard everything with all of their heart, putting enthusiasm and passion into the business because they want to see it grow.
What is Employee Engagement?
Employee engagement refers to the level of connection, and attachment that employees have to the company. This connection is typically influenced by factors like : the company’s work culture, job environment, job satisfaction, a sense of pride in their work, and their overall mental state while working for the company.
It is a give-and-take relationship – The company creates an atmosphere that encourages growth, and in return, the employee feels motivated to give their best.
Why Employee Engagement is Important
Efficiency: Employees with a deep connection to the company are likely to be more efficient because they understand the impact of their work on the broader business goals.
Sense of Ownership: Engaged employees may feel a strong sense of ownership over the business. They treat it as their own, and put in the effort necessary to ensure its success.
Sharing New Ideas: Engaged employees often bring forward new ideas that will benefit the company in the long run.
Loyalty: These employees embody the brand values, and act as ambassadors for the company, earning customer trust and helping to drive long-term growth.
How to Craft Effective Employee Engagement Goals
To create effective employee engagement goals, consider the following :
Define your objective. Clearly identify what you want to achieve.
For example, if you want to improve employee feedback, your objective might be to increase survey responses by a specific percentage.
Simple Ways To Craft Employee Engagement Goals:
- Align Goals with Business Needs: Make sure every goal supports your company’s overall mission.
- Set Clear Objectives: Decide what you want to achieve and how employee engagement can help you achieve it.
- Be SMART: Use the SMART framework to set specific, measurable goals. For example, aim for a 50% increase in employee survey responses by January 2025.
- Prioritize Employee Wellbeing: Engage employees by supporting their overall wellbeing.
- Define How: Determine how you will achieve your goals. For example, you might add a task for employees to complete a survey and offer incentives for participation.
- Include Every Employee: Ensure all employees are involved in the process and that their opinions are valued.
Employee engagement is no longer a luxury but a necessity today. It shifts employees from working only for money to working with a sense of purpose toward the company’s mission. It goes beyond just organizing team bonding sessions or giving incentives. Employee engagement permeates all aspects of the employee experience.
Employee Engagement Goals to Set for Your Organization:
- Employee Alignment with the Company’s Mission: Help employees understand where the company is headed and how their contributions will ensure its success. To do this:
- Clearly communicate the company’s mission during onboarding training.
- Have periodic meetings to reinforce the company’s mission for current employees.
- Including a line about the company’s mission in emails or newsletters to reinforce the message clearly.
- Productivity: A productive team doesn’t just hit targets but strives for excellence in all aspects of work. When employees understand their roles, and find meaning in their work, productivity naturally follows. To do this:
- Set SMART goals for employees and regularly evaluate progress.
- Encourage check-ins so employees can communicate when they’re facing obstacles and collaborate on solutions.
- Offer skill-building trainings to boost productivity.
- Reduced Absenteeism: Engaged employees are more likely to show up consistently, helping to maintain smooth operations and reduce inefficiencies. To do this:
- Consider offering remote work options for employees who can perform their tasks from home.
- Implement a fine system for absent employees.
- Track daily tasks to encourage accountability.
- Encourage Constructive Criticisms/Feedback: Create a culture where employees feel comfortable sharing feedback without fear of retaliation. To do this:
- Have an open-door policy where workers can voice concerns or suggestions.
- Actively listen to their feedback and make necessary improvements.
- Build a Reward System: Recognizing employees for their hard work can motivate them to continue performing well and set an example for others. To do this:
- Offer incentives when employees meet or exceed expectations (e.g., a percentage of a closed deal or a gift for meeting a target).
- Have penalties for undesirable behaviors (e.g., fines for lateness).
- Reward exceptional performance, such as “Employee of the Month,” with perks like a spa session.
- Promote Work-Life Balance: Help employees maintain a balance between work and personal life, which can lead to higher job satisfaction and boost their productivity. To do this:
- Organize wellness programs to support employee health.
- Provide health benefits such as HMOs or other services.
- Allow employees to work from home when possible.
For your business to succeed, employee engagement should be a top priority. Engaged employees are connected to the company’s mission and work with a sense of ownership. While it is not always easy to achieve, setting clear goals that prioritize employee wellbeing can lead to a more motivated and productive workforce, setting your business up for long-term success.