How to improve employee engagement
Let’s be real — “employee engagement” might sound like insubstantial corporate speak, but it’s a game-changer for any workplace. So, what does it mean? Think of employee engagement as how emotionally connected and committed your team feels to their work and company.
It’s not just about clocking in and out; it’s about genuinely caring about their role and the organisation’s success. When employees are engaged, they’re more productive, creative, and likely to stick around.
Now, here’s the thing: many companies rely on quick fixes like team-building games or office parties to boost engagement. While those are fun, they don’t tackle the bigger picture. True engagement requires a deeper, more holistic approach. Ready to take your workplace vibes up a notch? Let’s dive into some practical strategies beyond the usual HR playbook.
1. Empower employees with clear career progression paths
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Employees are more engaged when they see opportunities for growth within their organisation. Clearly outline potential career paths and provide resources for professional development. For instance, global consultancy firm Deloitte offers a Career Customisation programme, enabling employees to tailor their roles to fit their career and personal aspirations.
Tip: Regularly discuss career goals during performance reviews and invest in mentorship programmes.
2. Foster transparent and open communication
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No one likes being left in the dark. Open communication builds trust and ensures employees feel heard. Many companies in Singapore like Grab, Keppel Corporation, and Prudential have implemented town hall sessions where leadership shares updates and answers employees’ questions directly.
Example: Implement anonymous feedback systems, such as platforms like Officevibe or CultureAmp, to encourage honest input without fear of repercussions. Google Forms is a free alternative.
3. Recognise & reward contributions
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A little “thank you” can go a long way. Recognising employees’ efforts fosters a sense of value and belonging. Adobe, for example, uses a tool called “Adobe Kudos” to celebrate achievements in real-time. At TheSmartLocal, MVP awards are given out twice a year to employees who have gone above and beyond their job scope and positively impacted the company culture.
Recognition doesn’t always have to be monetary — a heartfelt shoutout in a team meeting can do wonders.
Tip: Create a peer-to-peer recognition system where employees can commend each other for excellent work.
4. Offer flexible work arrangements
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Life happens, and flexibility shows your employees you get that. Flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or flexible hours, show employees that their time and personal lives are valued. In Singapore, companies like Singtel and LEGO have embraced hybrid work models to balance flexibility and productivity.
Actionable idea: Implement a hybrid work model with clearly defined expectations to ensure productivity.
5. Align roles with purpose
Nobody wants to feel like just another cog in the machine. Employees are more engaged when they understand how their work contributes to the organisation’s mission. Patagonia, an outdoor clothing brand, aligns employee roles with its environmental mission, inspiring employees to see their impact beyond daily tasks.
Tip: Host regular meetings to explain how individual roles contribute to company goals and celebrate milestones achieved collectively.
6. Invest in employee wellness
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Let’s face it — burnt-out employees won’t give their best. Employee well-being is foundational to engagement.
Google, for instance, provides on-site wellness programmes, from fitness classes to mental health resources. In Singapore, Carousell provides mental health support and wellness initiatives for its staff, including access to counselling services. Initiatives like subsidised gym memberships or mental health days can make a difference too.
Actionable idea: Survey employees to understand their wellness needs and implement targeted programmes.
7. Provide opportunities for skill development
Bored employees disengage fast. Continuous learning keeps them sharp and invested. The SkillsFuture initiative in Singapore is a fantastic example of encouraging lifelong learning by providing subsidies for professional courses. Companies can tap into these resources to support employee growth.
Tip: Partner with local learning platforms or utilise SkillsFuture credits to provide free or discounted courses.
8. Create a culture of inclusion
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When employees feel they belong, they thrive. Inclusivity fosters belonging, which is key to engagement. A study by Deloitte found that inclusive workplaces are 6x more likely to be more innovative. Ensure everyone feels valued regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background.
Example: Develop employee resource groups (ERGs) and host workshops to raise awareness about diversity and inclusion.
9. Leverage technology to streamline processes
Engagement isn’t just about people — it’s also about removing barriers that frustrate them at the workplace. Inefficient processes can hinder productivity. Tools like NeuHR’s integrated platform simplify HR, payroll, and claims, allowing employees to focus on meaningful work.
Tip: Regularly review and update workplace tools to ensure they’re user-friendly and meet employees' needs.
10. Celebrate milestones with them
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It’s not just the big wins that deserve the spotlight. Celebrating achievements, both professional and personal, brings teams closer. This can come in many forms, from providing a wide array of leaves from adoption leaves to marriage leaves like DBS does, to simply encouraging managers to celebrate birthdays and work anniversaries with their team.
Actionable idea: Create a calendar for team celebrations, such as work anniversaries or successful project completions.
Some frequently asked questions about employee engagement:
How do you measure employee engagement?
Employee engagement can be measured through surveys, feedback platforms, and key performance indicators like employee turnover rates, absenteeism, and productivity levels. Using tools like Officevibe or CultureAmp can help gather actionable insights into engagement levels.
How can small businesses improve employee engagement with limited resources?
Small businesses can focus on cost-effective strategies like regular recognition, open communication, flexible work arrangements, and providing free learning resources. Tools like NeuHR can also help small businesses streamline HR processes, saving time and improving employee satisfaction.
Improving employee engagement for a better work experience
Improving employee engagement isn’t rocket science, but it takes thoughtfulness and effort. By creating clear communication channels, recognising contributions, offering flexibility, and embracing tools like NeuHR, you can turn your workplace into a thriving hub of productivity and positivity.
NeuHR’s all-in-one platform takes care of the nitty-gritty—HR, payroll, claims—so you can focus on building a workplace people love. Ready to level up your employee engagement game? It’s time to make it happen.
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Cover image adapted from: Unsplash