Crystal Williams, Chief Human Resources Officer at FLEETCOR.
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It’s common knowledge that goal-oriented employees are typically more engaged than those who just show up for a paycheck. Employee engagement affects everything—from better on-the-job performance to increased willingness to embrace company culture to an improved bottom line.
However, Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2021 report found employee engagement decreased globally by two percentage points—from 22% in 2019 to 20% in 2020. And since we’re in the midst of the Great Resignation in which Microsoft reports more than 40% of the global workforce is considering leaving their employer this year, it’s critical for companies to do a better job at investing in and motivating employees.
Employers should want employees to dream big, thrive in their careers and advance their leadership skills, both at work and in their respective communities. At my organization, FLEETCOR, we foster a culture of innovation, risk-taking and accountability in several ways and believe we can attain greater success by growing our people and supporting their professional goals. If you’re looking for ways to inspire your team, consider the following suggestions.
Give Employees A Voice
If you want to know what your employees think of the company, leadership, culture or just about anything related to the workplace, conduct an anonymous survey. We do this every year, and it helps us to measure our employees’ experiences and gives our employees a voice. The most important point about a survey is to not let employees’ voices go unheard. Unfortunately, there is valid concern about the effectiveness of employee surveys with some employers failing to follow up on concerns raised.
Use employee feedback to improve and build organizational capabilities and career development opportunities.
Celebrate The Good And Communicate 'Feed Forward'
Employees appreciate knowing when they’ve wowed their company, co-workers and/or customers, so give praise when it’s due. At the same time, “feed forward” how one might improve in the future. This is essential in helping employees succeed rather than allowing them to repeat mistakes. Most employees will improve their performance if they don’t think they meet the manager’s or company’s expectations, so give them clear feedback and suggestions to help them do better.
Cultivate A 'Continuous Learning' Culture
Money talks, and while pay raises and/or bonuses are welcome, training and professional development opportunities are strong motivators and can be even more effective. A LinkedIn study found companies rated highly on employee training saw 53% lower attrition.
Think about offering courses, for example, to improve employees’ skills and help them think ahead to how they want to grow as professionals. Some examples include self-guided business skills and facilitator-led personal growth and development sessions. Find ways to foster your company's next generation of leaders.
At FLEETCOR, we’ve deployed learning and development programs designed to meet individual, team departmental and organizational needs and objectives. Ultimately, employers should invest in learning and development programs to create a better work environment that builds a stronger future for employees.
Give Back And Grow Forward
Beyond motivating employees to do their best professionally, it’s important to encourage employees to go out and make the communities they live in better. Findings from America's Charities found that roughly 71% of employees believed that a work culture that encourages or supports volunteer opportunities is important.
Consider providing your employees with paid time off for volunteer community service each year. Have your team select a charity of choice and encourage employees to volunteer together. Such experiences can often turn into the most rewarding days.
It’s important to recognize that success as a business enterprise is affected by the vitality of the communities in which our people work and live and the viability of the nonprofit organizations that serve the needs and interests of these communities.
Invest In Your People
We all want a workforce full of motivated, productive employees who enjoy their jobs, embrace company culture and strive to improve their skill sets. It’s up to HR leaders to build and offer programs that foster employees’ abilities to become the next generation of goal-getters—leaders who can help our companies grow and thrive. Finding and retaining employees in today’s market is tough but not impossible.
Listen to and invest in your people because they are your greatest asset and competitive advantage.
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