Leaders and managers, have you ever wondered about the impact you can have on your team’s engagement? Well, according to Gallup, it’s a whopping 70%! That’s right, your leadership style and how you’re nurturing engagement within your team can make a world of difference.
Let’s dive into how, through the power of employee voice, managers can cultivate their team’s engagement.
The ripple effect of support: lower turnover, higher wellbeing
When managers provide strong support, it creates a sense of security and belonging for employees. This feeling of being valued and cared for forms a kind of safety net in the workplace, which is incredibly important.
Imagine working in an environment where you know your managers have your back. It’s not just about feeling comfortable; it’s about feeling empowered and motivated to do your best work. This sense of support has far-reaching effects beyond just employee retention. It’s like a domino effect of positivity.
For starters, job satisfaction skyrockets. When employees feel supported, they’re more likely to enjoy their work, find it fulfilling, and look forward to coming in each day. This, in turn, fuels higher productivity. Happy, engaged employees tend to be more efficient, creative, and focused on achieving their goals.
But it doesn’t end there. The benefits spill over into employees’ overall wellbeing. When you have a supportive work environment, it positively impacts your mental and emotional health. You’re less likely to experience stress or burnout, and you’re more likely to find a healthy work-life balance.
So, it’s not just a one-dimensional impact. It’s a multi-faceted, positive transformation that occurs when managers prioritise support and engagement. It creates a workplace where employees thrive, businesses flourish, and everyone reaps the rewards.
Boosting job satisfaction through social exchange
Ever heard of Social Exchange Theory? It’s all about risk and reward – seeking balance within relationships or to maximise the reward and minimise the cost. Makes sense, doesn’t it? Feeling heard and valued is a surefire way to boost morale.
This concept aligns with our basic human need to feel acknowledged and valued. When employees feel heard and appreciated, it inherently boosts their morale and satisfaction levels.
It creates a positive cycle where support leads to satisfaction, leading to a more engaged and motivated workforce. This principle underlines the importance of fostering a supportive work environment for long-term employee satisfaction and organisational success.
Managerial strategies for engagement success
So, how can managers step up their game to nurture employee engagement? We’ve collated some key strategies:
Constructive feedback and clear communication
- Provide constructive feedback. Let your team know they’re valued and their contributions matter.
- Be clear in your communication about company goals and where things stand. Transparency builds trust.
- Provide a range of methods to communicate with your team, and remember to get feedback from them too, by providing a range of channels to suit different feedback preferences.
Show genuine interest and value employee wellbeing
- Encourage development and be genuinely interested in your team members. They know when you’re doing something for a tick box exercise, so make sure interactions are genuine.
- Offer practical help when needed to assist in promoting wellbeing. For example: Flexibility in work arrangements shows consideration for work-life balance. It’s not just a perk anymore, it’s an expectation!
- Leading by example in self-care sets the tone for the whole team. Support your team in incorporating practices that promote wellbeing.
Top tip: Read our wellbeing playbook for tips on how to positively promote employee wellbeing in your workplace.
Regular recognition and inclusivity
- The power of recognition cannot be underestimated. Regular feedback and a culture of inclusivity can do wonders for team morale.
Top tip: Ensuring you have the right mechanisms in place to give recognition is vital. Employee recognition tools for peer-to-peer feedback can make all the difference in giving someone that well deserved pat on the back.
Creating a workplace that is nurturing engagement
Managers, your role is pivotal in creating a positive work environment. Be that supportive leader who not only guides the team but also lifts them up. The strategies we’ve collated are a great way to make a start on creating a workplace that is nurturing engagement, and with that reaps its own rewards for not only your people, but your organisation as a whole.
If you want to take it a step further, our Ultimate Guide to Employee Engagement is the perfect read to really elevate your engagement.
