Engagement is key to building a successful organization. It’s what keeps employees motivated and productive, and it’s what helps companies stay competitive in their industries. In this article, we will explore eight pillars of engagement that top companies are using to keep their employees happy and engaged.
1. Clear Communication
One of the most important things a company can do to engage its employees is to communicate clearly. This means making sure everyone knows what’s expected of them, providing regular feedback, and being transparent about company decisions. When communication is clear and consistent, employees are more likely to feel valued and heard.
For example, at Google, the company places a high value on transparency. They have an internal tool called Dorkula, which allows employees to ask questions and receive answers from other departments within the company. This helps ensure that everyone has access to the information they need to do their jobs effectively.
2. Recognition and Rewards
Another important pillar of engagement is recognition and rewards. Employees want to feel appreciated for their hard work, and recognition and rewards can help them do just that. This could be anything from a simple thank-you note to more formal bonuses or promotions.
At Salesforce, the company has a program called V2MOM (Vision, Values, Methods, Obstacles, and Measures), which helps employees understand what’s expected of them and how they can achieve their goals. The program also includes recognition and rewards, such as public shoutouts and bonuses for meeting certain targets.
3. Professional Development
Professional development is another important pillar of engagement. When employees feel like they are growing and developing in their careers, they are more likely to feel motivated and engaged. This could be anything from attending conferences to taking online courses or pursuing advanced degrees.
At HubSpot, the company places a high value on professional development. They offer regular training sessions, as well as opportunities for employees to attend conferences and meetups in their industry. The company also has a program called Career Advancement, which helps employees develop their skills and advance in their careers.
4. Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is becoming increasingly important for employees. When employees feel like they have a good work-life balance, they are more likely to feel happy and engaged at work. This could be anything from flexible schedules to wellness programs or on-site gyms.
At Amazon, the company places a high value on work-life balance. They offer a program called WorkWell, which includes things like on-site gyms, meditation rooms, and healthy food options. The company also has a program called Remote Work, which allows employees to work from home up to two days per week.
5. Collaborative Culture
A collaborative culture is another important pillar of engagement. When employees feel like they are part of a team that works together towards common goals, they are more likely to feel motivated and engaged. This could be anything from cross-functional teams to open communication channels or regular team-building activities.
At Zappos, the company places a high value on collaboration. They have an internal program called Holacracy, which allows employees to work in self-organized teams and make decisions based on their own expertise. The company also has a program called Culture Club, which includes regular team-building activities and events.
6. Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity and inclusion are becoming increasingly important for companies that want to engage their employees.
