Five Engagement Behaviors That Outperform Every Engagement Program (And Cost Zero)

Engagement programs are bought. Engagement behaviors are installed. That distinction is the reason most engagement initiatives under-perform — companies spend on programs and skip the behaviors that actually drive engagement. The five behaviors below cost zero dollars, require no vendor contract, and out-perform every paid engagement program on the market. They only require a leader who will commit to doing them and a team that holds the leader accountable for doing them.

The five behaviors: first, ask one open question in every 1:1 and wait through the silence (most leaders fill the silence; good leaders wait). Second, name a decision out loud each week — who decided, what was considered, what it will cost if we are wrong. Third, thank someone specifically for a decision they made (not for their effort; for the judgment). Fourth, share one thing you got wrong this week, before anyone asks. Fifth, protect the team’s time from up-the-chain interruptions — visibly. Each one compounds. Run all five for 60 days and the engagement survey moves more than most paid programs will move it in a year.

Below is the mechanics of each behavior, why each one specifically drives engagement (not just makes people happy), the three failure modes that kill them, and where these behaviors fit inside Learn2’s engagement-as-outcome F19 program sequence.

 

BASIC EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT IDEAS

1) REWARD PROGRAM

Any psychology handbook will tell you that rewarding positive behavior is the best way to engage people. You can set aside a small amount of your budget for a reward program. Some rewards include company shares, money, gadgets and paid time-off. However, please remember to reward based on your business’ financial capabilities.

2) FEEDBACK

Feedback, be it bad or good is the best way to improve any business. Ask your employees for suggestions on how you can make the workplace better for them. The staff is the backbone of any business. Therefore, their comfort and happiness should be taken to account to boost productivity.

3) CREATE GOOD VIBES

No employee wants to work for a company that treats them like a drone. Instead of posting random “feel good” quotes to make them feel inspired; you can personally congratulate them for a job well done. By interacting with your employees, you show them that their performance is important to ensure success.

4) NEVER UNDERESTIMATE CELEBRATIONS

Be it a night out at a local pub for celebratory drinks to a relaxing lunch on a weekday, reward your staff for their hard work. This can be done at least once a month to help them forge bonds. When workmates get along better, business will flourish. This remains a gold standard when it comes to keeping your employees in good spirits.

5) THERAPY SESSIONS

Help your employees through trying times with the help of counseling. While many businesses do not bother with this, it is essential to ensure the emotional well-being of your employees. Aside from helping them work out their issues; you can expect an improvement in their performance at work.  

HOW TO CHOOSE APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT IDEAS

There are many forms of employee engagement ideas. There is no need to use all of them to improve the performance of your staff. It would be best to start off with basic methods instead and tailor-fit them to match your needs and budget. However, keep in mind that the main concern should be the emotional well-being of each of your personnel. Employee engagement acts like a marketing strategy. By improving how your employees feel about their jobs; you instill a positive work environment. Aside from improving their output, it acts as a retention scheme as well. By keeping your staff interested in their jobs, you are creating a setting that fosters growth and productivity, which are key components to any successful business. Learn2 is a site that provides helpful employee development programs to help business owners improve the output of their employees. Since employee engagement ideas remain a necessity to small and large-scale companies, invest in your success today.