3 Ways to Engage Employees

​Jonathan came home from work discouraged.
 
Only a month earlier he had started the “perfect job”. The job was going to give him the opportunity of a lifetime. 
 
As it turned out, his new job required him to complete very simple and mundane tasks that seemed to have no purpose or benefit to the company or its mission. He couldn’t see the connection between the tasks of his new job and the mission of the company.
 
When he had first started this job, he was so eager. But every day his motivation and commitment dwindled. He dreaded going to work.
 
This real-life example is not unique.
 
Sadly, this is how many employees feel every day in their jobs. Not Needed. Unmotivated.

Employees Need a Purpose
 
Employees, especially millennials, need a purpose in their work. They want to feel they are making a difference.
 
This is especially prevalent when employees have little or no customer interaction in their jobs.
 
But you can minimize this problem by becoming more proactive in your management style.
 
How to Add Meaning & Purpose
 
Here are some things you can do to help employees see the value of their work:
 
1. Explain to employees how their work fits into the company and your product/service.  

Sometimes it requires detailed explanation of the process so they can get the full picture. By taking the time to explain the process, you are communicating you feel they are valuable.
 
2. Ask front line employees to share positive customer stories.

Circulate these stories to all employees, using pictures and videos (with customer permission). Try to find a variety of ways to tell these engaging stories (meetings, social media, etc.).
 
3. Display pictures of the product or service being used by customers.

This motivates employees because they will see what they are working towards. It can be great to display these pictures in your advertising and marketing material as well.    
 
4. Include support employees in client meetings or discussions related to their job.

​This will make them feel a part of the team and the organization. And they may  even have some good ideas to make the process better.
 
Engaged Employees Are Successful
 
These are just a few ways you can help your employees have real purpose in their work. Employees who are engaged in their work are more successful. Your organization will experience better retention and greater profits.
 
How do you ensure your employees have real purpose in their work?