E-Tip 258 - No News Isn't Good News

As the economy continues to fluctuate for many industries, we are still seeing a record number of employee layoffs, pay cuts/freezes, benefit cuts and 401(k) match suspensions. Because of this, many executives are finding it challenging to deal with their employees.

Silence Is Not Always Golden

During times of economic uncertainty, a management team's silence can reduce the number of employees who are proactive. In fact, a study by Harvard Business Review revealed that even a small layoff demoralizes employees so much that many leave at the first opportunity that presents itself. To avoid this, it is imperative for management to communicate with employees in order to keep them engaged at their work over the long haul and through the bumps in the economy.

Your People Need Information And Reassurance

One of the things we have come to learn is that employees want accurate and honest information about their future. If not, the rumor mill will be working overtime and spin things in ways that will boggle your mind. To help you address this issue, we have developed a number of tips to help you communicate better with your employees:

1. Make Benefits More Accessible - The most common complaint heard from employees is that they do not know how to find information on their benefits or how to use them. Some do not even know they have certain benefits, like flexible spending accounts or a 401(k) program. To solve this, we suggest having a "Benefits Resource Center" where employees can login and access tools, information, options, etc. on all of their benefits.

2. Listen To Your Staff - Listening to your staff will help you respond to the most important employee concerns, and will provide valuable insight on how they are feeling about the direction of the company. Listening to your staff can also help you quantify what programs or initiatives they feel are best for the company. So how do you do this? There are many ways to listen to your staff, from surveys at an employee meeting to talking with certain employees one-on-one. No matter what approach you take, give people the opportunity to express their thoughts so that you understand what they are thinking and feeling.

3. Keep Your Executive Team And Leaders Visible - The reality is this: The more visible your executive team is, the more your employees feel connected with the company. Make it a policy to have your team keep their door open during the day and encourage them to invite the employees they manage in to express their thoughts. Your team cannot be withdrawn in times of employee layoffs, cutbacks, and changing business strategies. While over-communicating is never wise, it is critical to inform your staff of your business strategy for success. History has shown that it is best to share general information sooner than later.

4. Celebrate As A Team - When you achieve any type of milestone, make it a point to celebrate. This is especially important during difficult times or challenging initiatives. By recognizing milestones and the people that make them possible, you will instill a sense of progress, optimism and hope.

Summary: Employee engagement is critical to the success of any business. Not only does someone's buy-in help you get the work done, but it also becomes your extra edge during tough times. When you need added help to meet deadlines or work with reduced resources, engaged employees are more likely to pitch-in and make things happen. Business leaders in companies of all sizes can make and save money by keeping their employees engaged; however, the only way for this to happen is to make their engagement a priority for your business.

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E-Tip 257 - Get Your Employees More Engaged!

In today's global and competitive economy, it is critical for a business' workforce to have high productivity. Unfortunately, recent Gallup* and Conference Board** research indicates the following:

· 54% of employees are not at all engaged at work*

· Only 29% are truly motivated and engaged*

· 53% of American workers are unhappy in their jobs**

According to these points, over half of the American workforce is disengaged and unhappy at work. It is safe to say this is a formula for poor productivity and run-of-the-mill corporate earnings.

Click here for a list of 25 tips to engage your employees.

How Does A Business Like Yours Get Their Employees More Engaged?

A number of business experts recommend empowering your employees in the following ways:

· Make sure they are part of the solution

· Make sure they are part of the continuous improvement process

· Make sure they have a forum for their opinions to be heard

To ensure this happens at your business, we recommend three key strategies:

• Clarify job descriptions and responsibilities
• Provide your employees with the proper training to facilitate their job requirements
• Make everyone accountable for their job function and give financial rewards/incentives when certain levels of measurement are reached

Create And Maintain A Business Environment That Is Consistently Fair

Dale Carnegie^® Training has helped tens of thousands of organizations over the years. And if anything has been consistent, it is this: Not one organization was perfect. People still feel overloaded and stressed by meeting deadlines and mismatches in compensation, not to mention policy changes that typically take place without much internal discussion. By being open and truthful with your staff, you can weather these challenges.

Summary: As you can see, many companies need to hone their employee leadership development skills to provide the most opportunity for their current workforce. Primary benefits for businesses that succeed in this area include lower recruitment spending, increased employee morale and people being open to covering additional job functions without any added dollars to their paycheck.

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E-Tip 256 - 9 Employee Engagement Tips for Your Business

Last week, we outlined the first 4 Employee Engagement Tips. This week we wrap things up with tips 5 - 9 to help you maximize your employee engagement events or programs.

5. Invest In Your People With On-site And Off-site Training - Training comes in different flavors. You have a myriad of choices, from hiring an inside trainer to hiring companies like Dale Carnegie. We suggest a core training program in communication, problem solving and conflict resolution skills. Better communication increases positive outcomes.

6. Ask Your Staff How They Are Really Doing - To help build the bridge to employee engagement, it is important to have open dialogs with your employees by using statement starters like this: "It is one of my goals to improve my skills as a manager/business owner/GM. Tell me, what could I be doing differently?" After having some dialog, ask them, "What could I be doing to make your job easier?" No matter what they say, keep in mind that you asked them for their opinion. That said, be prepared for an honest answer.

7. Laugh Often, Be Positive And Stay Away From Negative Discussions - I know that running a profitable business is filled with lots of stress, but we also need to know that laughing is a nice way to take the edge off the stress. One way of doing this is to take your team off-site for a team-building exercise or recreational event. Additionally, stay away from participating in negative discussions, as they are caustic to the organization.

8. Reward Your Employees In Ways That Motivate Them - Getting to know your employees will help you find new ways to motivate them and boost worker productivity. We often suggest finding the good in everyone and rewarding each and every employee on your staff.

9. Follow Through On Your Re-Engagement Activities - If you plan to develop a company-wide re-engagement program and do not follow-through, it can backfire and cause even more stress for your employees. Why? Many employees are frustrated with training programs or employee programs not backed by management. Are you committed to following through with your employees? Are your managers committed to keeping your employees engaged, involved in and excited about their day-to-day work?

Summary: Your employees are your company's greatest asset and their united ideas, feedback and enthusiasm will keep your business growing and profitable. While a small percentage of people will give their all and do their best no matter what type of working conditions they are in, the majority of people in today's workforce need the guidance of a skilled manager who welcomes their ideas and asks for their opinion. By opening a dialog, you will give these people a greater sense of job security and will have a direct impact on the profits of your business.

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E-Tip 255 - 9 Employee Engagement Tips for Your Business

Since the economy has become weaker, businesses are laying off more and more employees. Because of the rising rate of unemployment, many people who work for you are no doubt becoming more concerned about their job security. As a manager or business owner, you are no doubt concerned about your employees' happiness, but what many people fail to realize is the cost dis-engaged employees can have on their business or department's profit and loss.

Tough Economic Times Can And Will Disrupt Productivity And A Team's Performance.

Do you really know what your employees are thinking? How would you respond if I asked you these four questions:

1. Are your employees giving your company their all?
2. Do they think what they are doing is important?
3. Do you make your employees feel appreciated?
4. Do your people show up for work each day with passion and purpose?

For business leaders in companies of all sizes, you can make and save money by keeping your employees engaged; however, the only way for this to happen is to make their "engagement" a priority for your business. Doing so will create "wins" for everyone as an employee will stay focused on their job and management keeps worker productivity high. With that in mind, here are 4 of the 9 (5 - 9 will be talked about next week) management tips for creating and sustaining employee engagement:

1. Talk Directly With Those Employees Who Are Negative - Every company has people who are negative by nature. When approaching such employees, try to understand where they are coming from and why they feel the way they do. Look past their outlook and see them as a resource of knowledge who can contribute to the business.
2. Make Sure Employees Have The Tools To Do Their Jobs - Remember that first day at the office? Or when you first started your business? You probably wondered if you were equipped to do your job in the most efficient manner possible. You can lesson similar employee concerns by asking each staff member, or the team as a whole, "Do you have everything you need to be as efficient as possible?" Remember, just as your clients' needs change, so do your employees' needs.
3. Clearly Communicate Your Expectations - Sure, most business leaders have their core values, vision and definition of success. But what your employees really need is a clear understanding of your expectations -- both on a day-by-day and project-by-project basis. The clearer you are with them, the more efficient and productive they will be.
4. Get To Know Who Your Employees Really Are - You do not have to be buddies with everyone in your office, but we do suggest asking them about their business/personal goals and taking an interest in their well being . . . because showing some compassion will go a long way in building trust.

Summary: Your employees are your company's greatest asset and their united ideas, feedback and enthusiasm will keep your business growing and profitable. While a small percentage of people will give their all and do their best no matter what type of working conditions they are in, the majority of people in today's workforce need the guidance of a skilled manager who welcomes their ideas and asks for their opinions. By opening a dialog, you will give these people a greater sense of job security and will have a direct impact on the profits of your business.

If you want to find out more about how Dale Carnegie^® Training can make your business more effective, or need more information on this subject, please send us an e-mail at the address below.

P.S. Stay tuned for next week's e-tip 5 - 9!

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