Nowadays, companies and teams operate differently, and employee engagement becomes a critical factor when we speak about organizations and companies of all sizes. A few years ago, we were more focused on gaining revenue, not looking at a talent gap, and staff turnover.
In the era of qualified staff lack and high costs of employee acquisition, we are searching for ways to satisfy our team members.
What is employee engagement and why it is so important?
Employee engagement is a strategy aimed to make our employees feel passionate about their jobs. It’s not the same as employee satisfaction since this notion only indicates the level of happiness your employees have. Yet, these two are connected, since when you are engaging your employees right, they are not only happy but also more motivated and committed to their employer – i.e., your company, team, a division they are in.
What employee engagement trends should I follow in 2020?
Picking up the best employee engagement strategy is critical to your business. However, if you are searching for a one-stop solution for all your needs, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Employee engagement strategies are unique for each business.
You need to consider your company size, goals, culture, and other factors.
Nevertheless, there some principles you can use to make your own strategies work. If you execute them properly, your employee engagement numbers will start moving in the right direction, making your company stronger and more successful.
Top 5 Employee Engagement Tactics for 2020
- Success roadmap
When you got hired, especially for the first time, you are interested in your perspectives in the company. These perspectives are not always related to money. They can be skills development, professional growth, more responsibilities, and new positions. If your team members know what to expect in the future, they most likely won’t plan a career trajectory with several employment changes.
One of the best practices is to schedule regular career discussions with the members of your team to find out what they expect in the future and unveil what they can get or achieve in your organization. Moreover, you can share the ways how they can advance in your organization. - Acknowledge and praise good work.
Most people love it when they are recognized for their achievements. Even the smallest accomplishment should be valued by senior management.
Researchers show that most employees are worried about being unrecognized, and if they feel that their hard work is never appreciated, they lose motivation and more likely will search for a job change.
A few words of recognition when it’s needed is the best way to engage you as an employee in the case. - Open communication and an open-door policy
The primary reason for searching for a new position nowadays is the absence of knowledge about the company’s roadmap. As a senior manager, you should develop two-way communication with your team and make sure they are on track with recent company news and updates. If you leave your team behind, they will feel you don’t trust or value them.
Additionally, you should develop an open-door culture in your company, making it possible for employees to ask their questions, share concerns or suggestions. It will make them feel that they do have value in the company and can influence its development and growth. - A sense of purpose and pride in the work
It would help if you didn’t think that your team members are coming to the office each day to do some work and collect their salary. Of course, there will be some employees with this goal, but most people are working to make a difference.
If you understand this, you have a powerful motivational tool in your hands. It will not only help you to define a clear set of business values and principles but also to connect your employee’s daily efforts with them. Make sure that your team understands your organization’s mission and feels that they are helping to further it. - Be fair
The most straightforward strategy to implement is, to be honest with your team members. Open relationships and rewards for the work done are some of the tools you can use for this. Follow the highest standards in your management and create an open work culture, and you will boost your employee engagement.
We at Efisco hope this these employee engagement strategies will help you and your team to move forward to the new level of motivation. If you are only about to build up a software development team in Poland or Ukraine, you can always contact us.