Engagement During Tough Times
We have received a few questions around employee engagement during these recent though times and whilst in Queensland we have been in a relatively good place in terms of Covid-19, not all states have and the impact has been felt everywhere, across industries, at varying degrees. There have been impacts on the economy, business and individuals terms & conditions and their mental health. These impacts whilst all unavoidable in the circumstances, all impacting their teams engagement at work. In fact research by CBRE and published in their Workplace Trends June 2020 Paper, indicated 87% of worldwide employees were disengaged! So, how can engagement be improved during these though times?
Employee engagement is always important, but even more so during these difficult times. Engaging and motivating employees during this time is important not only for business but for employee’s mental health. However, it is much harder to keep employees engaged during these times.
Keep your team focused. Bring them back to the business vision and mission, to connect, direct and inspire them. Bring them back to the business, team and individual goals to keep them focused and working together as a team to ensure you all come out the other side.
Keep your values alive. Ensure your organisational values continue to empower your team, guide them, excite them and motivate them, even when no one is watching! Employees will put in extra effort if they believe their efforts are contributing to the greater good.
Communicate & Consult. It’s always time to communicate and consult but especially during though times as being kept in the dark fosters anxiety and gossiping. Encourage your employees to share their ideas and opinions and let them know they are valued.
Give them hope. Share good news and successes even if they may be small. Let your employees know they are valuable. Check in with them regularly, individually, informally.
Give them empathy. Treat employees as individuals, give their needs and concerns consideration.
Encourage RUOK? Create an environment where employees are looking out for each other. A good time to ask the question, RUOK? Don’t wait until next month on RUOK? Day, 10th September to ask the question, ask it now!
HR Business Direction can assist with engaging employees. If you’ld like to know more, contact us here.
Related articles: Employee Engagement – Work on Your Side; The Mystical Concept of Employee Engagement; A Clear Vision for Employee Engagement; What you need to know about Employee Engagement; Keeping Values Alive and more
Leisa Messer BBus(HRM); GradDipIR; FAHRI; IRSQ
Managing Director | HR Strategist
leisa.messer@hrbd.com.au
07 3890 2066
www.hrbd.com.au
