Small business: 5 tips to increase employee engagement

Employee engagement plans aren’t just for the Fortune 500 companies in the world. Small businesses can step up in a big way to make a concerted effort to let employees know they’re valued.

So, why do this? Simply put, engaged employees are more productive than non-engaged employees. Meaning you’ll get the most out of your hired staff.

Beyond that, there are hard and soft reasons to make sure your employees are satisfied. For example, turnover rates decrease when a team is engaged and bought in on the company’s mission. Today, many industries are facing the realities of a shortage of skilled workers. At a time when unemployment is low, the costs of replacing skilled employees can be high. On the flip side, engaged employees also bring intangible benefits to the workplace culture. A business that embraces positivity, collaboration, humor, and individual aspirations will build an environment where employees feel respected, celebrated and appreciated.

If you’re ready to make some changes or just need a quick check in to make sure you’re doing all you can to support the team, then take a look at the best practices listed below.

1. Be honest with yourself. Step one is making sure you have an accurate assessment of where the team is in terms of satisfaction. Ask for feedback from someone who may have a better “pulse” of the team or create an easy survey to gauge employee engagement. They’ll appreciate this effort — as long as you follow through with a means to address their feedback.

2. Show appreciation. The most basic thing you can do is ensure that the team knows they’re appreciated. Acknowledge a job well done, give positive feedback and say thank you.

3. Discuss their future. No one wants to think they’re in a dead-end job. Make sure you’re talking with employees about their goals and interests so you can identify opportunities for them to grow.

4. Communicate in times of change. Is the building for sale? Are you hiring a new manager? Are you retiring? Great — just communicate those exciting and important announcements. Rumor mills are toxic and news moves rapidly in times of uncertainty. Stay in control by being proactive about news sharing.

5. Keep the team staffed. One way to avoid sinking employee sentiments is to avoid overworking the team. Make sure you’re mindful of other bandwidths and schedules. In times where you need to ask more of your employees, remember that even just saying “thank you” will go a long way.

The good news is that it’s never too late to start making strides to enhance the workplace. As a business owner, change starts with you. If you decide that the culture needs more, then start implementing practices to recognize employees today.

What are some ways you show your employees they’re valued? What should we add to this list? Tell us in the comments section below.