Build and Keep an Engaged Team

BY JACKIE ZAMORANO

Creating a culture where employees succeed is easier than one might think. It’s tough to find good people. And it’s tough to keep them engaged throughout the day. Today’s world of digital distractions and instant information creates a challenging environment for workplaces up and down the spectrum. At SEH, we foster an environment where employees are given not only the tools for success, but the attitudes as well. We have an opportunity to create an environment where employees want to do their best work — this is good for them, good for us and good for the clients we serve. It’s a win-win-win situation.

Here are seven important tips for engaging employees:

1) Ask what’s important.

There’s no better way to find out what motivates employees than to ask them directly. Sometimes a simple conversation is all that’s needed to point employees in the right direction.

2) Respond to their answers.

Quickly. Let people know someone is listening, and what they’ve said is important. This is the easiest way to build a good rapport with staff.

3) Get to know employees.

Find out what makes them tick. Find out what they like to do outside the office, what sports teams they like, what their family dynamic is like. Being able to relate to employees this way will create a friendly dynamic that will go a long way.

4) Recognize.

Look for opportunities to provide meaningful and specific recognition. Go beyond the simple “Nice Job!” Be specific as to what is valued and they’ll feel encouraged to display more of it.

5) Don’t be scary.

Nobody likes to be yelled at, and nobody likes to be talked down to. It’s kind of the Golden Rule here — when employees feel respected, they’ll have better attitudes and will increase productivity too.

6) Take a look in the mirror.

Are the managers engaged at work? Are they having fun? Employees will mirror what they see their managers doing. If an engaged staff is desired, be engaged.

7) Set goals.

It’s best to set short-term goals that staff can hit quickly. When they see they’re accomplishing something, they will likely want to accomplish more. And when a team sees they are completing goals, they will be more likely to push each other.

Getting employees engaged throughout the work day is easier than one might think. Take a quick look at how management is doing things, and with a few easy tweaks, productivity will increase in no time. PB

Jackie Zamorano SEH Chief People Officer St. Paul 651.341.9981 jzamorano@sehinc.com

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