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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