.png)
It’s not uncommon for people to confuse employee satisfaction and engagement for the same thing. The two ideas are in fact quite different from each other, and both have very different outcomes.
Whilst we could sit here and discuss with you different techniques and quick fixes to boost your employee engagement, it’s more worthwhile to delve into the theory behind this topic. In doing so, you’ll be investing time into making this a long term thing rather than just a simple quick fix that is likely to not be followed up and not be substantial enough to make a difference to the work ethic of your employees.
The key word here is value. This word is like gold in business. The first step is to express the individuals valued contribution to your business. The hospitality industry in particular is a wealth of highly experienced workers, so it’s crucial that every employee no matter what their skill level is valued. Hold high expectations of all your workers. In doing this you’re setting the bar at a certain standard and you are asking all of your employees to meet a level required by you and your business. Doing this from the get-go ensures continuity of engagement.
Establish what your goals and values are within your company. Upon hiring an employee, make sure they are aware of these things right form the very beginning. Employees need standards to work to, so that they don’t fall into that trap of feeling too comfortable, and subsequently fall into the lazy category. There must always be a goal and a standard to meet.
Provide recognition and non-monetary rewards. I think all of us when we started out in our first job were simply there for the money. Whilst this still may be the case for many, our values have shifted – knowing that there’s a sense of thanks and appreciation coming from the management team boosts the emotive side of an employees behavioural tendencies. Again, it makes you feel valued and provides a sense of belonging.
Strive to provide the best service within your industry. Wanting to provide the best quality of everything instils within your employees a sense of pride. You want them to develop a sense of belonging and attachment to the business.
Fuel their excitement. There’s nothing worse than being in a job that doesn’t entice you to perform well in your role. Give them reasons to look forward to coming to work each day. Be the business that employees want to work for and be proud to be a part of.
Involve your employees in decision making. By doing this you are showing that you value their opinions. They are then more likely to take an interest in the day to day running of the business, its successes and its short comings.
Communicate frequently with your employees. By making an effort to touch base with all of your employees once a month whether you are simply a manager or you are a Director – it adds a human element. It reminds them that you are in fact not out of reach and that you care enough to communicate with them what’s going on within the business currently and coming up.
You want your employees to have commitment, energy and passion. As a result, employee retention increases as you move individuals from satisfaction through to engagement. Those who feel supported in their roles and feel as if you value them, are less likely to leave.