What is Employee Engagement?
Employee engagement refers to the emotional commitment and involvement an employee feels towards their organisation and its goals. Engaged employees are enthusiastic about their work, take proactive steps to further the organisation’s reputation, and often go beyond their basic job duties. This deep connection fosters productivity, innovation, and a sense of belonging within the team.
The Role of Company Values
Aligning company values with employee actions plays a pivotal role in boosting engagement by creating a shared sense of purpose and direction. When employees see their personal values reflected in the company’s mission, they feel more connected to their work. This alignment helps to create a workplace where employees feel valued and motivated to contribute positively.
Furthermore, employees who resonate with the company’s values are likely to find their work more fulfilling, which enhances job satisfaction. A company that is transparent and consistent in upholding its values builds trust between staff and management, fostering loyalty and reducing turnover.
The Importance of Engagement
In 2023, global employee engagement levels reached 71%, returning to pre-pandemic figures (Shoorah_Brand_Bible NEW). Companies with highly engaged teams enjoy a 21% increase in profitability and a 17% rise in productivity (Shoorah_Brand_Bible NEW). In contrast, disengagement is costly, draining around £7 trillion from the global economy (Shoorah_Brand_Bible NEW). Additionally, 92% of executives agree that high engagement results in happier customers (Shoorah_Brand_Bible NEW), underlining its importance.
Case Studies
Gong’s Success Story:
Gong, a company specialising in revenue operations and intelligence, achieved remarkable employee satisfaction with 87% of employees rating it as a great place to work. Their emphasis on engagement contributed to their recognition as a market leader, illustrating the clear link between employee happiness and business success.
Culture Amp’s Insights:
In their study of 3 million employees across nearly 5,000 companies, Culture Amp discovered that confidence in leadership was a primary driver of engagement. Strong leadership plays a vital role in maintaining high levels of engagement and morale within the workplace.
How to Align Company Values with Actions
Communicate Values Clearly
Company values should be woven into everyday communication, from team meetings to newsletters. Openly discussing how these values can be integrated into daily work helps to reinforce their importance. Additionally, making values visible in the workplace—whether through posters or online platforms—helps keep them top of mind.
Involve Leadership
Leaders should embody the company’s values through their actions and decisions. This sets a clear example for the rest of the team and signals that the company genuinely lives by its principles. When leadership champions engagement initiatives, it demonstrates that the commitment starts at the top.
Encourage Professional Growth
Offering training and development opportunities that align with company values allows employees to grow in ways that support both their personal ambitions and the company’s mission. Encouraging employees to set personal goals that reflect the company’s values can foster a shared sense of purpose.
Recognise and Reward Value-Driven Actions
Recognising and rewarding employees who exemplify the company’s values reinforces positive behaviours. Whether through public acknowledgements or incentive schemes, celebrating those who embody the company’s mission boosts morale and encourages others to do the same.
Feedback and Inclusion
Provide employees with regular opportunities to give feedback on how company values are being lived within the workplace. Involving employees in decision-making processes, particularly those that impact culture and values, ensures that they feel heard and valued.
The Impact of Engagement on Business Outcomes
When employees are engaged, productivity increases, as they are more dedicated to achieving both personal and organisational goals. Engaged employees are also more likely to provide exceptional customer service, which can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Furthermore, engaged employees are often more innovative, as they feel empowered to contribute fresh ideas.
Conclusion
Aligning company values with employee actions creates a powerful foundation for engagement. By fostering an environment where values are not just words on a page but are lived daily, companies can enjoy improved performance, increased satisfaction, and greater success.