From talent management to enforcing ever-changing labor laws, the human resources department plays a key role in business operations. Due to its people-focus at all levels of the organization, HR is also a primary facilitator of employee engagement.
Employee engagement matters.
It’s no secret that companies with engaged workforces vastly outperform those without them. When people feel their work matters and that they’re valued, the sky is the limit. Consider these revealing facts:
- Employee engagement has a very real impact on organizational success. Companies with highly engaged workforces are 24% more profitable. (Gallup)
- Disengaged employees cost organizations an estimated $450-550 billion each year. (The Engagement Institute)
- 80% of employees said learning and development opportunities would help them feel more engaged on the job. (Udemy)
- Engaged employees are 44% more productive than workers who merely feel satisfied. (Bain & Company)
Human resources to the rescue.
While all departments throughout the company can and should execute employee engagement measures, HR departments are particularly vital to this effort. They have the expertise to know what methods best drive employee engagement, how these tactics can be measured, and the steps required for its continuous improvement.
Here are four of the many ways HR can play a key role in reinforcing and boosting employee engagement in your organization.
-
Hiring for cultural fit.
HR has a major responsibility when it comes to finding the best candidate for each open position. During the interview process, it’s essential to consider each applicant’s “cultural fit” with the company. Will the prospective candidate complement the culture and values? After the initial onboarding, the HR professional plays an important role in sustaining this commitment to culture by consistently communicating company values to employees at all levels of the organization.
-
Helping people understand the value of their individual contributions.
In leading organizations, HR is responsible for overseeing the organization’s annual performance appraisal process. Rather than being solely focused on assessing and managing performance, human resources can also utilize it as a vehicle for facilitating employee engagement by helping staff members understand the bigger picture and how their role fits into that picture. Creating a clear link between the company’s overall business objectives and individual goals ensures that each staff member feels ownership in the business and a strong sense of their personal contribution.
-
Improving communications.
As organizations evolve and remote workforces become the norm, it gets easier for employees to feel disconnected from their colleagues. Regular and frequent internal communications are essential to ensuring that the workforce is kept in the loop, up to date, and involved. Often these communications are HR’s responsibility, many times with additional support from other departments. Whether it’s a change to your organization’s policies or important company updates, sharing news can go a long way to boosting employee engagement.
-
Recognizing good work.
Does your organization regularly and publicly and acknowledge and reward your people? Unless your answer is a resounding “yes”, there’s work to be done. Even if a few leaders and managers regularly thank staff members for their efforts, going the extra mile to make it an integral part of your company culture will pay off handsomely. Recognizing employees routinely can produce a positive vibe in the office, as well as motivation for other staff members to improve their own performance. Human resources can play a role in encouraging all employees to show appreciation for their co-worker’s contributions. Whether that means putting in place a digital system for workers to thank one another publicly or introducing an awards program, coaching employees on how to provide feedback, recognition is an essential element of an engaged workforce.
HR is key in ensuring a positive working environment where all employees feel valued. By taking measures to support employee engagement, human resources can play a pivotal role in improving productivity and demonstrating its commitment to the overall success of the business.
For more than 25 years, The HR Team has been helping companies develop customized employee engagement strategies that work for their unique cultures. Please reach out to our knowledgeable professionals to find out how we can assist your organization, too.
About The HR Team: Founded in 1996, The HR Team is a Maryland-based human resources outsourcing firm committed to developing strategic, customized solutions that respond to the unique needs and cultures of organizations of all types and sizes. Available as a one-source alternative to an in-house HR department or on an à la carte project basis, the company’s flexible service models address the full spectrum of HR needs that many organizations struggle to address. The HR Team helps clients achieve their highest level of success by providing value-driven human resources services that leave them time to focus on what they do best: directing business growth and profitability. Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, the firm serves all of Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia. To learn more about The HR Team, call 410.381.9700 or visit https://www.thehrteam.com/.