Across most industries, there are twice as many disengaged employees as engaged employees, according to Gallup. But some excellent companies have extremely engaged employees — what are they doing right?
Below are seven traits that great employers tend to share, gleaned by Gallup from 32 companies from seven industries (including healthcare) where engaged employees outnumber their actively disengaged counterparts by 9:1.
1. Involved leaders who want to improve. These traits tend to trickle down to other employees, according to the Gallup Business Journal report.
2. Great human resources functions. Talented HR staff can influence executives and hold them accountable. They can also teach managers to develop employees based on their capabilities.
3. Meet basic engagement requirements prior to expecting a mission to matter. Employees must first know what is expected of them, have the tools to do their jobs effectively and feel supported by managers before they truly engage in the mission of an organization, according to the report.
4. Don't blame the economy. It is possible for companies to maintain or improve workplace culture even while experiencing stagnant or declining revenues. This is possible through "being open, making changes swiftly, communicating constantly and providing hope," according to the report.
5. Trust and support managers. Then, companies hold the managers accountable for the cultures they create for their teams.
6. Straightforward performance management approach. Use employee recognition as a powerful incentive. "The hallmark of these great workplaces is that they are filled with recognition junkies," the report states.
7. Don't pursue employee engagement for its own sake. It is important to keep the focus on what improved employee engagement can achieve for an organization, instead of focusing on just achieving engagement on its own.
More Articles on Employee Engagement:
Talent Management: How to Find and Keep the Accountable Employee
What the Fortune 500 Can Teach Healthcare About Employee Retention: Q&A With Bill Sims Jr. on Employee Engagement
The Google Approach: How Hospitals Can Create Cultures That Drive Employee Engagement, Satisfaction