Are you finding it difficult to connect with your employees? Are your employees feeling unappreciated, burnt out, or just disengaged in general? A study done by O.C. Tanner found that 51% of the work force is not engaged and that 37% of the employees that are engaged are actively looking for a new job. With all the advances in technology it is so easy to feel disconnected and isolated at work. When employees feel valued and vital to a company’s success they become more invested and the disconnect between employee and upper management lessens. Here are four ways to connect with your employees.
- Make sure your companies vision is clearly defined
Having your companies vision clearly posted and well known is an easy way for employees to have a visual road map to success.
- Communicate with your employees often
Employees like to feel connected and up to date on the company’s news and developments. Office meetings, training sessions, memos and newsletters are great ways to communicate with employees. Communicating well and often is an easy way to share company goals and showing employees you can work together to make these goals attainable. Ask for employees input and ideas to encourage communication and employee involvement.
- Give employee feedback
Feedback is very important and should be given not just at an employee’s yearly review. Feedback can be a great employee motivator and engagement tool. Positive feedback should be given immediately. Telling an employee, they did a great job on a project only takes seconds and can mean so much. No one likes to receive negative feedback, but if it is given early it gives an employee time to adjust and correct the behavior or action.
- Leave your door open
Employees can often feel like another number with the chain of command being just a name on an employee directory guide. Smile and make your employees feel you are invested and care about them and not only their success in the company but them as a person outside of the office. Don’t be a boss or company executive who closes the door to their office and never engages with their employees. Take time to leave your door open, encourage communication and be approachable.