Parameters that Determine Employee’s Willingness to Engage

Employee engagement is a workplace approach resulting in the right conditions for all members of an organisation to give of their best each day, be committed to their organisation’s goals and values, be motivated to contribute to organisational success and be with an enhanced sense of their well-being.

Many workplaces do not foster employee engagement, which has caused high staff turnover and loss of business opportunities to competitors. Employee engagement leads to increased productivity and profit, being more customer-focused and a higher rate of employee retention. Parameters that promote Employee engagement include:

• An effective recognition and reward system: There are value and belief in a recognition system that lets employees know they are truly worthy. Effective recognition involves verbal or written acknowledgment from either the manager or the organisation in addition to any tangible and valuable reward.
• Frequent feedback:  Effective performance feedback takes place during regular interaction between the employee and the manager. Constructive feedback focuses on what the employee is doing well and what needs improvement. It is clear, specific and reinforces the actions the manager wants to see the employee perform regularly.
• Shared values and guiding principles: Engaged employees thrive in an environment that reinforces their most deeply held values and Employees are most successful in an organisation in which their values align with the organisation’s stated values, goals and objectives.
• Demonstrated respect, trust and emotional intelligence: Employees’ direct supervisors need to demonstrate that they are personally interested in and care about the employees.
• Positive relationships with co-workers: Engaged employees need to work, not just with pleasant people, but also with equivalently engaged co-workers. Co-workers who demonstrate integrity, diligence, teamwork, a passion for quality and service, and make for ideal colleagues who foster employee engagement.
• Understanding Your People: It is impossible to know howto motivate people until you know what and how to motivate them. Ask the employees about their exceptional talents, hobbies, and goals. Afterwards, tailor your motivation techniques accordingly.
• Encourage a Level of Freedom: Nobody likes the feeling that a boss is looking over his or her shoulder all the time. While the manager has the responsibility to ensure the proper delivery of work, he or she should allow the employees to carry out their activities without micromanagement. The sitting arrangement should be in a manner that every employee has control over his or her workspace with minimal intrusion from the manager. This allows the employees to take ownership of projects and appreciate the accolades for doing a great job. Employee satisfaction is a rational response to pay, benefits and scheduling, but employee engagementis an emotional connection with the organisation and its values.