The statistics on employee engagement are alarming. More than 85 percent of employees worldwide, and more than 65 percent of employees in the United States, report feeling disengaged from work. Most leaders and executives agree this is a problem. What's not so clear is what causes employees to feel engaged or disengaged, and what to do about it.
Recently, I talked to six business executives to learn their best practices around increasing engagement.
Feel Good, Work Happy
Savvy executives are realizing that employee emotional states are closely tied to engagement. Stefanie Frenking, global feel good manager and head of global recruiting at Spreadshirt, says, "We shaped our culture around what we call Feel Good Management. It's based on three ideas: empowerment, excitement and simplicity. How do we talk to people and empower them to do their best work? How do we get people excited and keep them that way over the years? How can we simplify their lives and support them in their roles?"
Employee feelings about work often stem from challenges outside it, so helping employees manage those challenges is key to managing those feelings. Says Frenking, "We ask employees what they need to be happier and work better. We help where we can, by simplifying the things that might be standing in their way—such as paperwork or scheduling, and child care arrangements. The goal is to increase positive feelings around work by removing distractions and friction, and the workforce responds positively."
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