Even since the lockdown and the evolution of the work from home culture, companies across all sectors are on the lookout for new ways to keep their staff motivated. The work from home scenario is most likely to continue for another few months and meanwhile, the companies are trying to find solutions to boost employee engagement. Remote working can often create a sense of distance which in turn leads to misunderstandings between the management and the workforce. This is why it is very important under the present circumstances to keep your staff motivated and inspired.
In today’s blog, we will discuss a number of tried and tested methods that will help to promote employee engagement not just during the pandemic but also throughout the year.
Ways to improve employee engagement:
- Foster team activities
You need to utilize the available remote working tools to make your workforce team up for delivering innovative solutions. Make use of videoconferencing apps for regular interaction between all the sections of your workforce. This will not only result in enhanced communication among your team but will also help to alleviate the boredom and isolation which is frequented involved with remote working. You also need to provide feedback to your employees from time to time so as to encourage them and demonstrate your readiness to listen to their ideas and suggestions.
- Give your team the freedom of decision making
Although this cannot be possible at all times you can surely make space for your workers and trust their decision making capability from time to time. Rather than taking control of each and every aspect of the work process, the management needs to pay heed to the inputs provided by the employees. This is a perfect way of letting your employees know that you trust their decisions.
- Recognize a job well done
Recognizing good work is crucial if you want to keep your employees motivated. There is no dearth of situations when your staff rises to the occasion and takes care of a crisis situation. You need to take special care and recognize and if possible reward the employees for pulling off a job perfectly.
- Create a sense of belonging
Your workforce should feel at home with your company and the first step to do this is to touch base with your team more often. The more you keep your team informed the better they deal with the changed circumstances. Ask your staff for suggestions and do not miss any opportunity of appreciating their efforts. Simple formalities like “How is your family doing?”, “How is your health?” etc. goes a long way to demonstrate your empathy. You also need to provide your staff with training and guidance regarding the use of online tools and educate them on time management.
- Show them that their efforts mean a lot
You can do this by sharing stories of the achievement of the employee. This will not just motivate that person to work hard but will also encourage other employees to make a mark. When you provide regular encouragement to your workers you significantly enhance the experience of your staff which in turn earns you much love, respect and loyalty!