Team Building Tips

Employee Engagement is difficult to define, but can be described as employees acting in the best interests of the company they work for.

Here are 5 things you didn't know about Employee Engagement, and what it means to you as an employee or employer.

1. Employee Engagement is all about those members of staff who go the extra mile, and do more than is expected of them. This could be voluntary overtime, helping colleagues, taking on additional tasks without being asked to, or always looking for something to do when they've finished their work.

2. Employee Engagement is likely to be prevalent in jobs where staff feel valued. These sorts of jobs are well managed, and there is a chance of promotion, or a defined career path, and employees are respected by management. This can also help to get rid of any "staff and management" barriers, and shows that management are likely to be approachable, and could be receptive to change, and new ideas.

3. Employees with a firm commitment to their organisation, and who see their work as not just a job but a career, are likely to work harder and to be more productive, and so be more valuable. Loyalty, such as many years service, or working up the career ladder, or in roles in several different departments can be seen as examples of Employee Engagement. Staff need to have a job or role that they can be proud of, and have to want to do their best for the company.

4. People either have Employee Engagement, or they don't. It can't be demanded as part of a job specification, as it's a type of personality trait. It can't be taught, although it can be improved. The type of person that gets into work exactly as the working day starts, and leaves at exactly home time, and moans about having to do something that somebody else should do, or that isn't in their job description, is very unlikely to be seen as having Employee Engagement. The employees that come in early, leave late, and will do whatever it takes to get the work done, have got Employee Engagement.

5. Having a loyal and willing workforce helps to promote the company and brand in all circumstances. Employee Engagement could include being extra helpful to people, such as those who have come through to your department on the phone, but actually need a different department. How nice would it be to help customers who are elderly or have small children and need more assistance in your shop? These seemingly small gestures can mean a lot to customers, and to management, and can really give the impression that the company is a nice place to work, and that people are important.

Remember that staff are a company's biggest asset, and that without them, there is no company. It is also essential to remember the effects that your actions will have on your customers. If you are seen to be impolite and unhelpful, and a "jobsworth", then customers may see this as indicative of your company, and choose not to deal with you.

Now that you know how important Employee Engagement is, isn't it time you gave it some thought?

Article written by M James. Find out more about Employee Engagement, and watch how a Keynote Motivational Speaker can improve morale and productivity in your company.