As the economy improves, so does the competition for the best people. This shift is causing many organizations to put more focus on the subject of employee engagement. Once we hire the right person, how do we keep them? There are many reasons that employees become disengaged or begin looking elsewhere. The consequences of disengagement on productivity, performance and turnover rates are astounding.
As I was researching this subject there were two studies that caught my attention. Each of these studies looked at the connection between employee engagement and an employee feeling valued by their employer. In one study by Lifeworks, they reported that 76% of employees who do not feel valued are looking for other job opportunities.
In another study, the American Psychological Association (APA) reported the following comparisons of those who feel valued against those who don’t:
- Those who report feeling valued by their employer are significantly more likely to be motivated to do their very best (93 percent vs. 33 percent).
- They are also more likely to recommend their workplace to others (85 percent vs. 19 percent).
- Those who do not feel valued are significantly more likely to seek new employment within 12 months (50 percent vs. 21 percent).
- Statistically, more than nine out of 10 of employees who feel valued will channel those emotions into an enthusiasm and drive for maximum productivity and quality.
In our current work environment, we often put so much focus on the bottom line, productivity and performance. As leaders we pat people on the back when they meet their quota, hit the quarterly numbers, or finish a project within budget. But if your people are not feeling valued, they could easily be primed and ready to be picked off by the competition.
An easy, but effective way to increase employee engagement, and make your employees feel valued in the process, is to ask them one simple question, “What can we do better?” I read a long time ago that the person that is within 12 ft. of a job has the most valuable insight. They are the folks that are doing that job day in and day out. They know what’s not working, what can be improved, and where to increase efficiencies.
So, it’s really quite simple. Ask the question and then listen. That’s it.
Increase engagement and practice the 12 ft. rule:
Step One: Start with the question: “What can we do better?”
Step Two: Listen and engage.