10 Mistakes that can destroy Employee Engagement

Employees are the backbone of any organization. For any organization to fly high in the horizon of success it is important that they have a strong foundation of manpower support. A channelized effort of all the employees towards accomplishment of a common goal leads to success in a short span of time. But any association, be it personal or professional requires care and commitment from both the sides mutually. A satisfied employee is a secured employee and a secured employee would be dedicated and productive and would surely align his activities towards achievement of the organizational goal. Certain key points that should be taken care of by the management companies in India to retain the employees and align their efforts towards company’s vision are as stated below. 1. Personal Connect: The HR department should make an effort to build a personal rappo and connect with the employees as it would boost up their dedication level. If the management values the personal interest of its employees to some extent and stands by them in their good and bad times, it helps promote a good work culture. Celebrating birthdays and any other special days related to them will make them feel important and recognized as individuals and not just an employee. In this case small efforts have a big impact on the mindset of the work force that increases aligned productivity. 2. Rewards and Recognition: An effort made is an effort waste if not recognized on time. The motivation behind good work is the rewards and recognition attached to it.Unless and until there is a driving force behind any work assigned people might not put in their best efforts. Efforts and good results of the employees should always be recognized and rewarded on time. This keeps the motivation level high and acts as a lever for the driving force to perform better every time. A sound rewards and recognition policies help the company in attaining and retaining valuable talent and enhance the goodwill and brand value of the company. 3. Communication Gap: A strong communication network aligns the management and the employees towards common goal. The employees should be well aware of the communication channels and should feel free to speak their heart out if they have any concerns. A two way effective communication system gives clarity of thoughts to both management and the employees and helps them know and understand each other better. Communication gap leads to disparity in the thinking process which in turn hampers the trust factor and work culture of the company. 4. Proper Metrics for Grievance Handling: Trust is a basic attribute of any association. An employer employee relationship built on trust has a strong foundation for long term future endeavors. Employees should be well aware of their rights and correct channels to address their concerns. There should be a well maintained link with all privacy settings intact to address grievances of its employees without highlighting the person concerned. 5. Regular Interaction:There should be regular interactive sessions between the employees and the management specifying the short term goals and the milestones achieved. This gives a bigger picture to the employees and helps them associate their individual targets to that of the company. These regular interactions can be in the form of Seminars, Webinars or Hi-tea corporate get together where ideas can be exchanged and employees get a platform to share their input on important matters related to the organization. This boosts the initiative and participation level of the employees and involves them more in the organization. 6. Cultural Respect: With the changing market dynamics companies have adapted a cosmopolitan culture where people from various religious and cultural backgrounds work together. The companies should be well aware, respect and inculcate all respectful values in its workforce for these diversified cultures. All the festivals related to these cultures should be known and celebrated to respect the feelings and beliefs of employees belonging to them. 7. Mundane work Culture: If an organization sticks to a work structure where employees are expected to work continuously without any recreational activities being included in the work schedule slowly the productivity level goes down. In such a work culture after a point of time the employee reaches a saturation level and is bound to leave the organization or is accused of poor performance. Recreational activities like team outings, company get together celebrating family day or various festivals together keeps the employees happy and motivated. At times it also helps reduce the attrition rate for the company. 8. Security: With so many women entering the corporate world it becomes the prime responsibility of the organization to take care of their security needs. With the need of the hour at times they have to be away from home traveling, or working late night.In such cases it becomes the prime responsibility of the company to take all possible measures to provide them with a safe work environment. There should be a quick and firm action with regard to their safety issues if they have any. 9. Hygiene of the work place: Employees have to be healthy to perform and give their best. A hygienic and neat work place is required to keep the employees healthy and hearty. An unorganized and messy work station kills the motivation and decreases the productivity level of the employees. Proper cleanliness should be maintained at the work place that includes the dining and washroom area also. A properly lit and airy workplace lets the positive energy flow in and keeps the employees spirits high. 10. Work Timings: Work timings should not be unnecessarily exaggerated as it might at times be difficult for the employees to cope with it. This aspect should be taken care of especially for female employees. People work for their families and have to balance both these aspects at the same time. After the scheduled work time if the employees are asked to stay back and work on a regular basis they are bound to feel disconnected and would start looking for other opportunities. This might lead to high attrition rate in turn hampering the image and goodwill of the company in the market.