Employee engagement is the connection that a worker feels to the job. It’s about how enthusiastic a person feels toward the work and the objectives the team and organization are trying to meet. An employee’s level of engagement influences their dedication to the team and organization.
Do the employees care about the work? Are they interested in the performance of the team or organization as a whole? In the case of highly engaged employees, the answer is a resounding “yes!” However, this does not seem to be the case with many employees these days.
According to a survey by the research firm Gallup, employee engagement is at its lowest since 2015. Since the year 2020, active disengagement has risen each year. These are concerning statistics since employee engagement is essential for businesses to survive and thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
To encourage organizations to invest in and prioritize employee engagement, here are 5 insights that highlight how engagement builds high-performance teams:
- Higher Productivity: Companies with engaged employees experience at least 17 percent more productivity than those with disengaged employees. Engaged employees have higher motivation levels and strive to do their best for their teams, which leads to higher productivity.
Due to higher productivity levels, teams utilize finite resources such as time, budget, and manpower more effectively. The quality of work also rises hand in hand with productivity. Highly productive teams accomplish tasks more efficiently, which in turn boosts morale and motivation. It leads to a virtuous cycle that ultimately reflects in the performance of the team.
75% of organizations aim to automate routine and repetitive tasks, which will allow employees to focus on more strategic activities and boost productivity. This move is likely to increase the engagement of the employees.
- Better Communication: Companies can utilize the services of executive search firms to find remote talent and leaders who have charismatic communication skills. Communication and employee engagement share a two-way, closely intertwined relationship. Through clear and transparent communication, leaders can ensure that their team members are well-informed about objectives and expectations. When employees understand their roles well, they’re likely to feel more engaged in their work.
Engaged employees are also more likely to communicate more openly and effectively. Improved communication leads to enhanced problem-solving, quicker conflict resolution, better coordination, and continuous learning and development. All of these will contribute towards an improvement in team performance.
Improving communication does not mean increasing the frequency and length of meetings. A majority of employees perceive meetings as a waste of time. It might be a better idea to replace unnecessary meetings with software that offers communication channels for team discussions on projects or topics.
- Higher Creativity: According to the findings of a study, employee engagement is a critical precursor to innovation and creativity in the workplace. Engaged employees have a sense of ownership, which encourages them to seek out more innovative solutions without the fear of failure and repercussions.
Enterprises that prioritize engagement often reward and recognize innovation and ingenuity. Rewards and recognition serve as powerful incentives that encourage further creativity.
- Positive Work Environment: When team members feel more engaged with the work, they communicate and coordinate better. Since they are happier and more satisfied with their own work, they’re more likely to support other team members. The team members feel appreciated and respected, which fosters a sense of belonging. The positivity of engaged team members contributes to an atmosphere that’s conducive to high performance.
- Increased Customer Satisfaction: Members who feel valued and supported by their team typically have a positive attitude. They are more empathetic and understanding towards the needs of the customers. Additionally, engaged team members make a greater effort to stay updated on product knowledge and industry trends, which puts them in a better position to help customers, enhance their experience, and improve the results and reputation of the team.
Related Reading: The Truth About Employee Engagement Strategies | CMOE
Wrapping Up
Engaged members are instrumental to the success of teams. Engagement fuels motivation, passion, and creativity. Employees who feel a high level of engagement can transform the work environment into a highly positive and productive one. This transformation can have a ripple effect on customer satisfaction, ROI, and the success of the organization. In today’s ever-evolving business landscape, employee engagement serves as the cornerstone for building and sustaining high-performance teams.
About the Author: Jodie Hurst
Jodie is a financial analyst, turned entrepreneur, who advises businesses on using technology to manage teams, upskill staff, and streamline business processes.
