Have you ever felt like you’re a hamster running on a wheel?
That’s what it feels like when you’re in a job that doesn’t engage you.
You put in the hours, but it feels like you’re getting nowhere.
The same can be said for your employees. If they’re not engaged with their work, they’re not as productive as they could be.
1. Hire the right people
When you have a job opening, it’s important to look beyond the resume. Consider the whole person, and whether they will fit in with your company’s culture with the help of assessments.
Hiring people who share your company’s values and goals will make it easier to keep them engaged and productive. This is especially true for small businesses, where one bad hire can have a big impact on the whole team. You can also opt for job referrals, which prove to be more effective than traditional hiring approaches.
2. Communicate company goals and objectives
Employees who don’t understand their company’s goals and objectives are more likely to be disengaged at work. To enhance this understanding, consider implementing lms and employee onboarding software that effectively communicates your company’s mission, vision, and goals to new hires. You should also explain how their role fits into the bigger picture.
“Leaders need to be sure they are communicating the company’s goals and objectives, as well as how the employees’ goals and objectives align with that,” said Johnson. “This will help to create a sense of purpose and direction for the team.”
Regularly communicate your company’s goals and objectives to employees, and discuss how their work contributes to those goals. This will help employees understand the value of their work and motivate them to be more productive.
3. Make sure your employees are happy
Happy employees are more productive. If you want to increase employee productivity, you need to make sure your employees are happy.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and forget to check in with your team. Make sure you’re regularly asking your employees how they’re doing and if there’s anything you can do to help.
You can also take steps to increase your employees’ happiness by offering competitive pay, benefits and perks, as well as providing opportunities for professional development and career growth.
4. Offer opportunities for career growth
Some employees are happy to stay in the same position for a long time, but many want opportunities to grow and advance in their careers. If your employees don’t see opportunities for career development, they may start looking for other job options.
To keep your employees engaged and motivated, provide opportunities for career growth. This could include offering additional retail training, providing a clear path for promotions or cross-training employees in different areas of the business.
Employees who see opportunities for career growth are more likely to be engaged and productive. Plus, you’ll be more likely to retain top talent if you invest in their career development.
5. Encourage a positive work environment
Employees are more likely to be engaged and productive when they feel good about their work environment. A positive work environment is one that is inclusive, supportive and respectful. It’s also one that values teamwork and collaboration.
To encourage a positive work environment, make sure your employees feel heard and appreciated. Recognize their hard work and dedication, and create opportunities for them to bond with one another. You can also offer team-building activities, such as company-sponsored outings or volunteer opportunities.
In addition, make sure your company has a strong culture of trust and transparency. This means being open and honest with your employees, even when it comes to difficult topics. When employees trust their leaders, they are more likely to be engaged and productive.
6. Show your employees that you care
Your employees are people, and people like to know that they are cared about. In the workplace, one of the best ways to show you care is to provide a good work-life balance.
This means being flexible with your employees’ schedules when possible, not overloading them with work, and giving them time off when they need it.
You can also show that you care by taking an interest in your employees as people. Get to know them, and ask about their lives outside of work. If you show that you care about your employees, they will be more likely to care about their work.
7. Encourage employees to take breaks
The human brain isn’t designed to maintain a high level of focus for hours on end. Encourage your employees to take regular breaks throughout the day to prevent burnout and boost productivity.
This could be a 15-minute coffee break, a quick walk around the block or a 5-minute meditation session.
Whatever it is, make sure your employees know that it’s okay to take a break and that you encourage them to do so.
8. Give employees a sense of purpose
People want to feel like they’re making a difference, and that’s especially true at work. Employees who feel that their work has purpose are more engaged and productive. You can help employees find purpose in their work by helping them understand how their work contributes to the company’s goals and success.
“Employees who understand the ‘why’ behind their work are more likely to go the extra mile,” said Nitzan Shaer, CEO of WEVO. “It’s important to show employees how their work is contributing to the company’s mission and growth. This will give them a sense of purpose and will help them feel more connected to the company.”
9. Reward and recognize employees
Employees who feel appreciated and recognized are more likely to be engaged and productive. Recognize employees for their hard work and accomplishments, and reward them with perks and benefits.
There are many ways to reward and recognize employees, from giving them a simple thank you to offering them a bonus or promotion. You can also recognize employees publicly, such as in a team meeting or in a company-wide email.
Whatever you do, make sure that your recognition and rewards are genuine and meaningful. Get to know your employees, and find out what motivates them. Some employees may be more motivated by a bonus, while others may prefer a day off.
10. Provide the right tools
In order to do their jobs effectively, employees need the right tools and resources. That could mean investing in new technologies, providing additional training or even hiring more staff or using AI agents to alleviate some of the pressure.
Make sure you’re checking in with your employees regularly to identify any gaps in resources that could be impacting their productivity.
11. Ask for feedback and act on it
Finally, one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve productivity and engagement is to ask your employees what they need and then take action. This can include surveys, one-on-one meetings, and even exit interviews.
“Employees want to be heard, and they want to be respected,” said Joe Frodsham, CMO of Workfront. “If they feel like their feedback is heard and respected, that is going to increase the level of engagement pulse they have with the company.”
Regularly ask your employees what you can do to make their work experience better. Then, take the time to consider their feedback and make changes. Even if you can’t always implement their suggestions, it’s important that you show your employees that you value their opinions and are willing to act on their feedback.
Conclusion
Your employees are your most valuable asset. They help you grow your business by providing excellent service and support to your customers.
It’s important to prioritize their happiness and engagement to help you reduce turnover, increase productivity, and grow your business.
