Encouraging employee engagement within the workplace is vital to ensure the success and competitive advantage of a business.

Increasing employee engagement can be difficult, but if done correctly it can have immeasurable benefits to employers, employees and the workplace in general. Workers who are not motivated can convey a bad impression to customers and are consequently more likely to make mistakes. As an employer, it is necessary to ensure that your employees are passionate about their jobs and that they come to work enthusiastic and eager. Employees who are committed generally outperform those who are not.

One way to increase employee engagement is by encouraging flexibility for your workers. Employees are no longer spending their careers working at the same company until their retirement, but are instead often having many jobs in their working life. Employees also have greater flexibility in where, when and how they are working. When given flexible working hours or locations rather than rigid structures, people can become more productive, happier and engaged in the workplace.

There are many other factors that can impact an employee’s engagement in the workplace. These include:

• Having a good relationship with immediate supervisors.

• Pride in working for the company.

• Career development opportunities.

• Employee recognition.

• Transparency and honesty.

• Pay fairness.

Employee engagement should be a top priority in business and a goal that managers and employers work towards every day. There are five key areas that employers can focus on daily to better morale among workers, which are:

• Treat all employees with respect.

• Give credit when it is due.

• Communicate clearly, consistently and often.

• Encourage collaboration.

• Provide an optimal workplace environment.

Employees should feel comfortable to express their ideas and feedback regardless of their position or role within the organisation. Managers also need to recognise the important contributions that their employees make and reward those accordingly. Top performers in the business are an invaluable asset to progress so it is important that they are given the appropriate opportunities to excel.

Employee engagement is all about knowing what you have and valuing your employees. Businesses have the opportunity to create fulfilling and motivating experiences, allowing workers to bring their best to work each day.