As the business landscape in Singapore becomes more competitive, companies must do whatever they can to get and retain the best talent. One of the best ways to do this is to focus on employee engagement.
Employee engagement is a term that refers to the level of connection and involvement that employees feel towards their work and their company. When employees are engaged, they are more likely than not to be productive, innovative, and loyal to their organization.
Significance of Employee Engagement
Singapore’s Land Transport Authority chief executive officer Ngien Hoon Ping emphasized the significance of employee engagement during his stint as the CEO of the Supply Chain unit of the Singapore-based FairPrice Group. He highlighted the importance of focusing on people since the results will follow.
At the height of the pandemic, Ngien went to the office every day to show warehouse workers that they were all in the same boat. He focused on winning his staff’s trust through coaching, open sharing, and transparency. Leading by example allowed him to build the digital supply chain unit of the retailer during the pandemic.
The Benefits of Employee Engagement
Aside from the significant contribution of engaged employees to the organization, there are other benefits that companies can enjoy when they focus on employee engagement.
Some of these benefits include:
Reduced Absenteeism
Employee engagement can help reduce absenteeism in your workplace. When employees are connected to their work and feel they have a stake in the company’s success, they are less likely to take time off without a good reason. This can save your organization money and increase productivity.
Improved Productivity
Engaged employees are also more productive employees. They care about their work and are more likely to go above and beyond to get the job done. This extra effort can lead to a significant increase in productivity for your organization.
Reduced Turnover
Another essential benefit of employee engagement is that it can help reduce turnover. Employees who feel valued and connected to work are less likely to look for a new job. This can save your company money and help you keep your best employees.
Improved Customer Service
When employees are engaged, they are more likely to care about the customers they serve. This can lead to better service and happier customers. In turn, this can lead to more business for your company. To facilitate this, businesses should also value their employees and increase their knowledge and expertise.
A Positive Work Environment
Employee engagement can also create a positive work environment. Employees are more likely to get along with their co-workers and create a positive atmosphere when they feel good about their jobs. This can make your workplace more enjoyable for everyone and make it easier to attract new employees.
Innovation and Creativity
A positive work environment can stimulate innovation and creativity due to higher employee engagement. When employees feel they can share their ideas and be heard, they are more likely to develop new and better ideas. This can lead to improved products and services for your company.
How to Increase Employee Engagement
Employee engagement is a critical element of organizational success. A highly engaged workforce is more productive and likely to stay with the organization, reducing costly employee turnover. There are many ways to increase employee engagement, but the following are some of the most effective:
- Provide meaningful work. Employees want to feel that their work has purpose and meaning. Help them find ways to connect their work to the organization’s mission and goals.
- Encourage input and feedback. Employees want to know that their opinions matter and that they can contribute to the organization’s success. Encourage them to give feedback and suggestions and take action on their ideas.
- Offer opportunities for growth and development. Employees want to know they have opportunities for personal growth and career advancement. Offer training and development programs, and promote from within whenever possible.
- Show appreciation and recognition. Employees want to feel appreciated for their contributions. Show your appreciation through words of thanks, rewards, and recognition programs.
- Create a positive work environment. Employees need a positive work environment to be engaged and productive. Make sure your workplace is supportive, friendly, and motivating.
Engaging employees is essential to organizational success. By taking steps to create a more engaged workforce, you can improve your bottom line and build a strong foundation for future growth.
Employee engagement is a critical component of any successful organization. Engaged employees are more productive, innovative, and loyal, ultimately leading to a stronger bottom line for the company. There are many things that companies can do to increase employee engagement. But, some of the most effective include providing opportunities for growth and development, creating a culture of open communication, and showing appreciation for hard work. By focusing on employee engagement, companies in Singapore can get a leg up on the competition and attract top talent.
