Engage! 7 ways to improve employee engagement

1. Communicate effectively: Regular communication with our people helps to build trust and transparency, effective communication keeps us informed about goals, plans, and progress. It is number 1 for a reason! 

Quick win? Ask your team to share 1-2 ideas on ‘how to make our team communication even better’ and then strive to implement the ideas and improve! 

2. Provide opportunities for growth and development: We all want to feel that we are making a valuable contribution to our organisation and country, and, that we have opportunities to learn new skills, take on new challenges, and if desired, advance our careers. 

Quick win? Ask your people individually how you can support their growth and development this year! 

3. Recognise people: Recognise people for their hard work and contributions. 

Quick win? See it – say it: “I really liked the way you…” “I appreciate how you…”.Nominate your employees for awards! 

4. Encourage feedback: Encourage people to share their ideas, suggestions and feedback regularly about their work environment, systems etc. 

Quick win? Have a different team member anonymously collate feedback on ‘what’s going well’ and ‘what’s a pain point’. Take the feedback seriously and hold bite-sized solution-focused teaming to understand problems, generate solutions and celebrate successes! 

5. Promote a positive work culture: A positive work culture is one where people feel included, valued, respected, and supported. 

Quick win? Celebrate each other! Cultivate a sense of belonging by engaging some teaming to build positive relationships. 

6. Support wellness: Role-model work-life balance and when you can, actively support people’s work-life balance requests. Remember, long days and lack of leave are not badges of honour. 

Quick win? Hold check-ins and ask about individuals well-being and work-life balance. 

7. Empower people: Empower your people to make decisions and take ownership of their work. When people have the knowledge/skill and will, delegate, give autonomy, and trust them to do their jobs well. 

Quick win? Proactively encourage knowledge/skill development, on the job learning, peer-sharing-learning (buddying), further study, LinkedIn Learning etc. and delegate more! 

Continue the conversation below and check out the Civil Service College’s Learning Challenge calendar to learn even more about employee engagement.