by Karina Castaneda | Jun 24, 2024 | Company Culture, Employee Benefits, Mental Health in the Workplace, Wellness Programs
Would wellness programs be a good addition to your workplace? What if you could improve your employees’ health, boost their happiness, and save your company money all at the same time? Wellness programs can do just that.
These programs are designed to help employees maintain a healthy lifestyle. They reduce employees’ stress and increase their overall well-being.
As HR and benefits experts at Launchways, we’ve seen firsthand how effective wellness programs can be for small businesses. Let’s dive into the benefits of wellness programs and how they can positively impact your company.
What Are Wellness Programs?
Wellness programs are often established by employers. They do this to encourage healthy habits and enhance their employees’ well-being. These programs can cover a range of activities, including:
- Physical Wellness Programs: These include activities such as fitness challenges, yoga classes, and health screenings.
- Mental Health Initiatives: These resources include counseling services, stress management workshops, and meditation sessions.
- Nutritional Guidance: Programs that offer healthy eating workshops, diet plans, and cooking classes.
- Financial Wellness Education: Workshops and resources to help employees manage their finances. This helps them reduce financial stress.
The Impact of Wellness Programs on Employee Health
When implemented correctly, wellness programs can significantly improve employee health. Let’s explore some of the key benefits.
Physical Health Benefits
One of the most immediate and visible impacts of wellness programs is on physical health. Here’s how:
- Reduced Healthcare Costs: Healthier employees mean fewer medical claims. That means lower health insurance costs for your company. For example, a friend of mine who runs a small business started a fitness challenge at work. Within a year, she saw a noticeable drop in healthcare expenses as employees became more active and healthy.
- Decreased Absenteeism: Employees who are healthy are less likely to take sick days. This means more consistent productivity and less disruption to your business operations. Imagine if your top performer didn’t have to take time off for preventable health issues – the impact on your bottom line could be substantial.
- Increased Productivity: Healthy employees tend to be more energetic and focused. They can concentrate better and work more efficiently, leading to better overall business performance. Think about the boost in output if your whole team felt their best every day.
Mental Health Benefits
Wellness programs also offer significant advantages for mental health. In today’s fast-paced work environment, mental health support is crucial.
- Lowered Stress Levels: Programs could include meditation sessions and stress management workshops. These can help employees manage their stress better.
- Improved Mood and Morale: Employees’ mood and overall morale improve when they feel supported and valued. Happy employees are more likely to stay with the company and contribute positively to the workplace culture.
- Enhanced Work-Life Balance: Employees find a better balance between work and personal life. This leads to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates.
Boosting Employee Happiness Through Wellness Programs
Employee happiness is a crucial driver of business success. Wellness programs play a significant role in enhancing happiness at work. Employees who are engaged and satisfied are more likely to be productive and loyal.
Building a Positive Workplace Culture
A positive workplace culture is essential for attracting and retaining top talent. Employees who feel their well-being is a priority are more satisfied with their jobs. Wellness programs can promote a supportive and inclusive environment. There, every employee feels valued and cared for.
Wellness programs that include fun activities foster a sense of teamwork. This increases employee engagement and helps them feel more connected to their colleagues. For example, organizing a company-wide charity walk can unite employees for a good cause.
Automated Solutions for Managing Wellness Programs
Managing wellness programs can be time-consuming, but automated solutions can make it easier. Plus, automating your wellness program management has several advantages.
- Automation can handle administrative tasks, such as tracking participation and managing rewards. This frees up your HR team to focus on more strategic activities.
- Automated systems provide real-time data on program participation and outcomes. This helps you measure the success of your efforts.
Choosing the Right Software
Select software that meets your company’s specific needs. Look for features like real-time tracking, automated reporting, and HR integration. Evaluate different wellness program management tools to find the one that best fits your company.
Measuring Your Wellness Program’s Success
To ensure your wellness program is effective, you need to track its success. Monitor the following metrics to gauge the impact of your wellness program.
- Participation Rates: Track how many employees are taking part in the program. Higher participation rates usually indicate a successful program.
- Health Outcomes: Measure improvements in employee health. That could include reduced absenteeism and lower healthcare costs.
- Employee Feedback: Regularly gather feedback from employees. Look for what’s working and what can be improved.
Then, use the data you collect to make ongoing improvements to your wellness program. Look for trends and patterns in the data to identify areas for improvement. Keep up with industry trends and best practices. You want to ensure your wellness program remains relevant and effective.
Key Points
- Wellness programs can significantly improve employee health and happiness.
- They offer both physical and mental health benefits. These lead to reduced healthcare costs and increased productivity.
- Implementing a wellness program is straightforward and can be streamlined with automated solutions.
- Measuring and continuously improving your wellness program is key to its long-term success.
Ready to start your wellness program? Check out the attached Workplace Wellness Compliance Guide from Launchways. There, we offer more tips and best practices. Contact us at Launchways for professional advice. Share this article and download the guide to take the first step towards a healthier, happier workplace.
by Emily Hric | May 22, 2024 | Company Culture, Employee Engagement, Employee Retention
As we wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month, we reflect on “Building Positive Company Culture.” We consider what the phrase means. We also contemplate its profound connection to mental well-being in the workplace. A positive company culture isn’t just about perks and policies. It’s about creating an environment where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered.
Imagine a workplace where employees are not just colleagues but a cohesive team. It is where conflicts are resolved respectfully, and everyone feels valued and motivated. This is the essence of a positive company culture. It plays a pivotal role in shaping employee relations.
Here, Launchways delves into some of the best practices for HR professionals in small businesses. This includes leveraging automated solutions where applicable. Read on as we examine what it takes to cultivate and maintain a positive company culture.
Understanding Employee Relations in Building Positive Company Culture
Employee relations refer to interactions between employees and their employers. They focus on fostering a positive work environment. In the context of mental health, a positive company culture fosters open communication, reduces stigma around mental health issues, and promotes work-life balance.
Effective employee relations are vital for employee engagement and retention. They have a direct impact on productivity and overall company success.
Best Practices for Managing Employee Relations
Clear Communication Channels
Clear and transparent communication is the cornerstone of building positive company culture. As HR professionals, communication is vital. Communication channels between management and employees should be open, honest, and easily accessible.
HR professionals can create channels for employees to express their needs without fear of judgment. This can include anonymous feedback systems or dedicated support channels.
Setting up regular team meetings can often significantly improve team collaboration and morale. Utilizing communication tools can help with that.
Guide Positively
Positive guidance plays a crucial role in building positive company culture. It shapes employee behavior and attitudes toward company values. HR professionals can guide employees positively by leading by example. They can offer the following:
- Mental health workshops
- Mentorship opportunities
- Resilience training
HR can also provide constructive feedback and promote self-care practices among employees.
For instance, implement a mentorship program. This will not only help new hires acclimate faster but also foster a culture of continuous learning and growth.
Interview For Culture Fit
Hire employees who align with the company’s culture and values. This can be key to building positive company culture. During interviews, focus not only on skills and experience but also on assessing cultural fit.
Ask questions that gauge a candidate’s alignment with your company’s values. For example, assess their strategies for managing stress. Ask them to elaborate on their potential contributions to a positive work culture.
Employee Feedback and Recognition
Soliciting feedback from employees is essential for boosting morale and engagement. Implement feedback mechanisms such as surveys or suggestion boxes. Recognize and reward efforts that contribute to a mentally healthy workplace. These could include participation in wellness activities or initiatives promoting work-life balance.
Remember to acknowledge and reward outstanding performance.
Consider using automated recognition programs to streamline the process. That ensures consistency in recognizing employees’ efforts.
Conflict Resolution Strategies
Building a positive company culture includes proactively addressing conflict. Conflicts are inevitable in any workplace. How they are handled, however, can significantly impact company culture. Ensure that conflicts are resolved in a respectful and supportive manner.
Implement effective conflict resolution techniques such as active listening, mediation, and problem-solving discussions.
Utilize automated tools for tracking and managing conflicts. That helps to ensure timely resolution and minimize disruptions to workflow.
Leveraging Technology for Employee Relations
How can leveraging technology help when building positive company culture? Integrating technology and automation into employee relations practices can streamline HR processes. It helps improve overall efficiency. Explore HR software. Seek platforms that facilitate employee communication, feedback collection, and conflict resolution.
These tools not only save time but also enhance the employee experience. They do this by providing easy access to essential HR resources.
Benefits of Automated Solutions in Employee Relations
Automated solutions offer numerous benefits in managing employee relations. They improve efficiency by reducing manual tasks, minimize errors, and ensure consistency in HR processes.
Take, for example, automated onboarding processes. These can help new hires feel welcomed and integrated from day one. That contributes to a positive first impression of the company.
Key Points
As Mental Health Awareness Month concludes, consider the importance of company culture. Building a positive company culture goes hand in hand with supporting employees’ mental well-being. Building and maintaining a positive company culture requires proactive effort. It requires the adoption of best practices in employee relations.
By leveraging the following, HR professionals can create a thriving work environment. Employees feel valued and motivated when offered:
- Clear communication
- Positive guidance
- Cultural fit upon hiring
- Feedback and recognition
- Conflict resolution strategies
Leveraging technology and automation where applicable streamlines HR processes. That enhances the overall employee experience.
By doing this consistently, small business owners and HR leaders can build a positive workplace culture. This culture will attract top talent, foster teamwork, and drive success. Learn more here.
Building a positive company culture is not just a goal. It’s a continuous journey toward creating a fulfilling and productive work environment for everyone. Embracing mental health as a core aspect of building a positive company culture benefits employees. It also contributes to a more resilient and productive organization overall.
by Emily Hric | May 13, 2024 | Company Culture, Conflict Resolution, Employee Retention
Workplace mediation techniques can be a game-changer in fostering a harmonious work environment. Imagine a scenario where a small company team needs better communication. They’ve led to unresolved conflicts. Tensions rise, affecting collaboration and morale, ultimately impacting productivity. This is where modern workplace mediation techniques can help.
Small business owners and HR leaders often face challenges in managing workplace conflicts. These challenges can range from interpersonal disputes to complex organizational issues. All of these can hinder teamwork and hinder productivity. The need for modern mediation techniques has never been more crucial. They address the challenges proactively while maintaining a positive and productive work atmosphere.
At Launchways, we understand the importance of effective conflict resolution in the workplace. Understanding workplace mediation techniques is just one step in resolving conflicts.
Understanding Workplace Conflicts
Workplace conflicts occur when employees or managers disagree or have disputes. These conflicts can cause problems like lower productivity and morale. Unresolved conflict can lead to worse work quality and more employee turnover.
Common reasons for conflicts at work include:
- Misunderstandings or unclear communication can create tension.
- Differences in personalities and how people work can lead to disagreements.
- Changes in the company can make employees uncertain and cause conflicts.
Modern workplace mediation techniques can be instrumental in preventing and resolving conflict on the job.
Styles of Mediation
Mediation is a powerful tool for resolving conflicts. Various styles fit different situations. Here are six types of workplace mediation techniques:
Facilitative Mediation: This type of mediation involves a mediator. Their job is to help parties talk and find their own solutions without giving their own opinions.
Evaluative Mediation: Mediators of this type suggest solutions and discuss legal rules.
Transformative Mediation: This method helps people understand each other better. It helps improve their overall relationship.
Med-Arb: Parties agree on how to solve the problem. They start by talking (mediation) and then, if necessary, making a final decision (arbitration).
Arb-Med: First, an expert decides on a solution. Then, they help the parties agree to it.
E-mediation: It’s like regular mediation but online. It uses video calls to talk and solve problems.
The Role of Modern Mediation Techniques
Modern workplace mediation techniques have evolved to become effective tools in resolving workplace conflicts. Unlike traditional adversarial approaches, mediation focuses on collaboration and finding mutually beneficial solutions.
These techniques have many advantages. They help resolve conflicts faster. That saves time and money because companies don’t have to spend as much on long disputes. Also, successful mediation improves employee satisfaction. Employees who feel respected are more likely to remain at their jobs.
Key Modern Mediation Techniques
Open Communication Strategies:
Open communication plays a vital role in addressing conflicts early before they escalate. Fostering transparent and constructive communication channels among team members is essential.
Encourage active listening, sharing perspectives openly, and resolving misunderstandings promptly. Establishing open communication can prevent conflicts from turning into major issues.
Conflict Coaching and Training:
Conflict coaching is an effective method to empower employees to handle conflicts independently. During coaching sessions, employees can learn how to manage emotions.
That will help them handle conflicts better. They can improve their communication. Conflict resolution training programs also teach valuable skills like problem-solving, negotiation, and empathy. That benefits the whole team.
Mediation Software and Automated Solutions:
Modern mediation software and automated solutions help organizations handle conflicts more efficiently. They often offer case management, data analytics, and integration with HR systems. These help make workplace mediation techniques smoother and more effective.
Implementing Modern Mediation Techniques
Implementing modern workplace mediation techniques requires a structured approach to ensure effective conflict resolution. Here’s a step-by-step guide for small business owners and HR leaders:
- Set expectations: Begin the mediation with a brief introduction. Remind the parties of any time limits, expected behaviors, and confidentiality rules.
- Opening statements: Allow each person a brief 1-2 minute opening statement. This allows them to express what they hope to achieve.
- Set the agenda: Develop a neutral agenda based on the opening statements. List all concerns from each party without judgment or blame.
- Work through the agenda: Discuss each agenda item calmly. Focus on concerns rather than disagreements on facts. Mediator intervention may be necessary to steer discussions.
- Break out privately: Provide a private session for parties. There, they can discuss their feelings, concerns, and potential resolutions individually, without mediator suggestions.
- Rejoin and set agreements: Reconvene to generate resolution options for each agenda item. Refine them until both parties agree. Record agreements made.
- Break out for review: Conduct a second private session to review agreements. Provide coaching if disputes persist.
- Document agreement: Bring parties together to review, finalize, and document agreements. If an agreement isn’t reached on all items, consider involving an external mediator.
Applying these mediation techniques significantly improves the chances of a successful mediation meeting. Leadership support, ongoing training, and regular evaluation of mediation strategies are crucial. These elements sustain effective conflict resolution practices within an organization.
Benefits of Embracing Modern Mediation Techniques
Using modern mediation techniques can bring many advantages to your workplace:
- Better Workplace Culture: These techniques encourage open communication and trust among team members. They create a positive and welcoming work environment.
- Reduced Turnover: Resolving conflicts quickly and fairly helps keep valuable employees. They are less likely to leave due to unresolved issues.
- Increased Productivity: By addressing conflicts early, you can prevent disruptions. You keep everyone focused on their tasks, boosting overall productivity.
- Cost Savings: Mediation is a cost-effective way to resolve disputes. It saves time and resources.
Key Points
In summary, modern mediation techniques offer significant benefits. They improve workplace culture, reduce turnover, boost productivity, and save costs.
Small business owners and HR leaders should consider adopting these techniques. Automated solutions can help companies improve organizational performance and handle conflicts effectively.
At Launchways, we understand the importance of resolving conflicts efficiently. Therefore, we offer tailored solutions to help your business succeed.
Transitioning to modern mediation practices can lead to happier employees. By mastering workplace mediation techniques, you can anticipate increased productivity and a more successful organization.
by Jim Taylor | Nov 20, 2023 | Company Culture, Employee Retention, Human Resources, Mental Health in the Workplace, Uncategorized
HR strategies, mental wellness, inclusivity, workplace productivity. These are more than just buzzwords. Together, they form the framework that results in a well-managed workforce of content employees or an environment of apathy.
It’s no secret that today’s work environment is a dynamic canvas, constantly shifting and demanding new strategies to optimize productivity and support employee wellness. As HR specialists, our role is pivotal in adapting strategies to optimize productivity while prioritizing employee wellness.
As someone who’s been in HR services for years, I understand the challenge of adapting to these changing needs. That’s why Launchways is here to share some insights and strategies to navigate these changes effectively.
Flexibility: Embracing Change for Better Work Dynamics
Remember when the traditional 9-to-5 was the gold standard in Chicago? Well, times have changed. The rise of remote work and hybrid models has challenged the norms. Embracing this change by offering flexible schedules or remote options can significantly boost morale and productivity.
In fact, flexibility has become one of the most common employee demands in recent years. According to Achievers Workforce Institute (AWI), it is the number one reason workers change jobs. Hybrid work schedules allow for better work-life balance. It offers a more relaxed, focused approach to tasks resulting in up to a 20% increase in employee satisfaction.
Efficiency: Streamlining HR Processes for Maximum Output
Efficiency – the holy grail of productivity remains the cornerstone of productivity. Embracing automation tools within HR operations can work wonders. From applicant tracking systems to onboarding software, automation minimizes manual tasks, letting your team focus on what truly matters.
I remember when the recruitment process was time-consuming and arduous. It used to take weeks. With the integration of automated systems, we witnessed a remarkable reduction in hiring time. It cut that down by half allowing our team to concentrate efforts on engaging with potential candidates more effectively.
Inclusivity: Fostering Diversity for a Supportive Environment
Inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the cornerstone of a thriving workplace. Creating an inclusive workplace goes beyond fulfilling diversity quotas; it’s about valuing different perspectives and creating an environment where everyone feels respected and heard.
Initiatives like mentorship programs focusing on diverse talent have proven instrumental in nurturing a sense of belonging and driving innovation through varied viewpoints.
Mental Wellness: Prioritizing Employee Health and Resilience
Employee well-being is non-negotiable. They are integral components of a productive workforce. Prioritizing mental health support programs and promoting work-life balance isn’t just a nice gesture – it’s crucial.
Witnessing a colleague burn out due to a heavy workload and lack of support was an eye-opener. It really highlighted the urgency for prioritizing employee well-being.
Implementing regular check-ins, wellness seminars, and flexible hours has helped us not only retain talent but also boosted overall productivity and creativity.
Automated Solutions: Revolutionizing HR Practices
Welcome to the age of AI and machine learning! The adoption of AI-driven recruitment tools has revolutionized HR’s hiring process in the following ways:
- Enhancing decision-making capabilities through data analysis
- Improving candidate sourcing
- Offering insights for strategic planning
The implementation of AI-driven recruitment tools not only expedited our hiring process but also facilitated the identification of top talent, leading to reduced turnover rates. They don’t just make life easier. It’s like having a reliable assistant who never sleeps!
Actionable Steps for HR Leaders
In this ever-evolving landscape, HR leaders hold the compass to navigate through change successfully. Embracing flexibility, streamlining processes, fostering inclusivity, prioritizing mental wellness, and integrating automated solutions are the pillars of building a resilient, thriving workplace.
Assess your current HR practices. Identify bottlenecks and areas where automation can lend a helping hand. Invest in tools that align with your company’s culture and goals. Remember, employee feedback should be your guide. Adapt and evolve based on their needs.
So, fellow HR practitioners, let us collectively steer our organizations toward a workplace that not only thrives in productivity but also champions the holistic well-being of every individual. Together, we can create a workspace where success and happiness coexist.
For more information, reach out to the professionals at Launchways.
by Jim Taylor | Nov 7, 2023 | Company Culture, Employee Retention, Leadership
In early 2023, an alarming trend emerged in the world of employment – employee satisfaction took a significant hit. What’s even more concerning is the strong link between this decline and the economic conditions that surround us.
As someone who’s seen the ebb and flow of employee satisfaction trends in Chicago, I can attest that this downturn is nothing to take lightly. It’s not just about personal job contentment. It’s a domino effect with consequences that echo through both individual lives and the business world.
The Ripple Effect on Businesses
Have you ever noticed how your mood can affect everyone around you? Well, the same goes for the workplace. The Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2023 report rings the alarm bell loud and clear.
Low employee engagement isn’t just an internal issue; it’s causing a whopping $8.8 trillion loss in the global GDP. That’s not pocket change by any means. It’s a stark reminder that if you’re not thriving at work, you’re unlikely to be thriving in life.
The impact of this downturn varies dramatically across industries. Let’s take a closer look:
- Despite a slight dip, the construction industry remains the happiest place to work. It maintains the top position in employee satisfaction.
- In the travel and hospitality sector, employee satisfaction is on the rise. It’s like a sunny day after a week of rain, with scores improving from the second to the third quarter.
- On the flip side, the following industries are navigating three-year lows in the third quarter: technology, finance, and food and beverage.
- Nonprofit organizations have shown consistency in employee satisfaction from one quarter to the next. There’s a glimmer of hope with a small year-over-year improvement.
- Healthcare and education have witnessed significant rebounds in employee satisfaction. Healthcare, in particular, has improved by a remarkable 17% since June, with expectations of further progress.
Identifying Root Causes
So, what exactly is an employee satisfaction crisis, and why should it concern us? To put it simply, it’s a situation where employees are far from content with their work lives. The consequences are far-reaching, and they’re not pretty. Reduced productivity, higher turnover rates, and an overall dip in morale are just the tip of the iceberg.
The key here is early recognition. Identifying the signs of a crisis is akin to diagnosing an illness. The sooner you spot it, the better the chances of recovery. This is where feedback becomes invaluable. Conducting surveys, engaging in interviews, and analyzing data reveal what’s ailing the organization.
It’s not surprising that the average employee’s happiness often correlates with their tenure in the company. Those who’ve been around for less than three years tend to be happier. It’s like the excitement of a new relationship; everything’s fresh and exciting. The onboarding process plays a crucial role in this initial enthusiasm. Sixty-two percent of employees believe their first-day impressions hold. So, creating a positive first impression lays a strong foundation for a lasting relationship.
Another critical factor is company size. Smaller companies have managed to maintain employee satisfaction. Larger companies have seen unhappiness increase with their growing workforce. Therefore, we can extrapolate that smaller and medium-sized businesses with fewer employees generally have happier workers. It’s like the cozy ambiance of a small café, where everyone knows your name, as opposed to the impersonal atmosphere of a huge chain.
Leveraging Automation for Employee Engagement
Now, let’s talk about solutions, particularly those involving automation. Automation isn’t just about cutting costs and speeding up processes. It can be a game-changer for employee satisfaction. You see, it can streamline HR processes, freeing up time for more strategic efforts. It’s like having a personal assistant who takes care of the repetitive tasks, leaving you to focus on the bigger picture.
Automation can also enhance communication, recognition, and employee feedback collection. With the right tools and platforms, you can foster a culture of appreciation and open dialogue. It’s like having a suggestion box that’s always open, where employees can voice their thoughts and receive timely responses.
Tailoring Tactics to Your Company
But remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Every company is unique, with its own values and culture. So, the tactics need to be tailored to your organization.
First, assess your company size, industry, and existing HR processes. This is the foundation for choosing the right automation solutions.
Moreover, align these tactics with your company’s mission and values. These values add “flavor” to your workplace culture. They should be evident in every interaction and decision.
Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
The journey doesn’t end with implementation. You need to monitor and make continuous improvements. Data analytics and feedback loops are your secret ingredients for success. They help you gauge the impact of automation tactics and make necessary adjustments.
Key Points
As you can see, we’re living in a time where employee satisfaction is more critical than ever. The effects of a satisfaction crisis are far-reaching and can have devastating consequences. But there’s hope, and it lies in automation and strategic solutions. There is a growing gap in employee happiness as companies expand. This emphasizes the importance of adapting HR strategies to the changing times.
By being proactive and keeping open lines of communication, we can create an atmosphere that helps employees at work and also in their lives. So, if your business is experiencing low employee satisfaction, know that you’re not the only one. There are answers available. Don’t hesitate to seek advice and help to set up automation solutions that suit your specific requirements. Just like a good recipe, it’s all about the right ingredients and a dash of innovation. Your journey to happier, more engaged employees starts today. For more information, contact Launchways.
by Jim Taylor | Oct 9, 2023 | Company Culture, Employee Engagement, Employee Retention
Employee morale plays a pivotal role in shaping the dynamics and outcomes of a workplace. Simply put, when employees are content and motivated, they tend to be more engaged, creative, and productive.
Conversely, a dip in morale can lead to disengagement, increased absenteeism, and a higher turnover rate. All of which can spell trouble for an organization’s success.
Therefore, employers need to gauge and grasp the morale of their employees to foster a positive and thriving work atmosphere.
Chicago-based company, Launchways, has delved into the importance of measuring morale in the workplace. We offer this insight.
Why Measure Employee Morale?
Employee engagement is essential for a company’s success. To effectively attract and retain top talent, organizations should begin by assessing whether their current employees are happy. That helps employers know how to keep valuable employees.
Workplace morale affects the following:
- Productivity and Performance: When employees are satisfied and motivated, they are more inclined to invest their best efforts and produce high-quality work.
- Employee Retention: Employees who find content at work are less likely to seek opportunities elsewhere.
- Engagement and Innovation: A positive work environment nurtures a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
Measuring Employee Engagement
To gauge employee satisfaction, many employers continue to rely on employee engagement surveys. But lately, employee engagement has been at its lowest point in nearly ten years. Employers start to wonder if the usual surveys really show what employees think.
Instead of using the same old surveys, employers should think about new ways to see how engaged employees are. It’s also important to improve the surveys to make sure they show how employees truly feel. Here are a few ideas that can help employers better understand employee engagement.
Updating Employee Engagement Surveys
When done properly, regular employee surveys can still effectively measure employee engagement. A few factors to consider for updating your surveys:
- Keep surveys short and timely. Send short 3-5 question polls for specific activities or occurrences. Reserve long surveys for annual or bi-annual reviews.
- Be concise and clear about what you are asking. Simple questions often get the best answers.
- Invite feedback and suggestions. Leaving an open-ended feedback section allows employees to provide additional information. This ensures they feel heard.
Although surveys are probably the most popular method for measuring employee satisfaction, they aren’t the only one. To get a holistic view of engagement in your organization, consider including the following options.
One-on-One Meetings
Many workers don’t feel heard when they only have a few pre-written multiple-choice answers to choose from. Conducting one-on-one interviews with employees offers valuable insights into their morale. Such interviews provide employees with a confidential space to express their concerns and emotions.
Companies should provide managers with the proper training to lead these meetings in a way that ensures employees feel heard and respected.
Company Forum or Chat Channel
Creating a “forum” where employees can discuss current business issues may promote broader discussions. This form of communication allows employers and HR leaders to identify current problems. They can use that information to initiate real conversations to work toward real solutions.
Tracking Metrics
Tracking employee behavior over time can serve as an indicator of morale. Consider monitoring the following and investigating their root causes.
- Employee Turnover Rates
- Absenteeism and Sick Leave
- Performance Metrics
Identifying patterns can help organizations unearth and address underlying issues.
The Takeaway
Today’s employees know what their priorities are. By measuring employee engagement and morale, employers can improve their ability to attract and retain talent. This enhances the company culture and creates an environment where workers feel valued.
This, in turn, benefits not only employees but also the organization as a whole. In the grand scheme of things, the question “Are your employees happy?” should invariably top the priority list of every organization wishing to create a thriving and productive workplace. For more insight, check out Employer/Employee Relations: Who’s in Control?
