Focus on Engagement

New research shows that many employers plan to focus on employee engagement as a measure of reward programme success during the current global downturn. Cynics might suggest that it's about time! Creating an environment in which your highly-engaged employees are working at their best is a great idea all the time!!

Interestingly the survey - "Reward Next Practices" - found that only just over half of organisations polled said they would be focusing on employee engagement. I wonder what the others are planning to do?

"When times are tough, more employers are looking for ways to improve engagement," said Colin Evans, UK head of reward services at Hay Group. "It's essential they remember the motivational power of intangible rewards, the role of the line manager in establishing a great work climate, and the importance of communicating effectively with employees."

The survey also found that:
44% of respondents plan to use reward to foster a culture of creativity and innovation.
67% said they'd make line managers more responsible for managing the 'pay for performance' relationship between employer and employee.
60% said they'd focus more on non-financial rewards such as career and development opportunities.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that you just need to throw money at people. More money is not necessarily more motivating. Your staff are looking to you for reassurance that they are doing a good job; that the business is doing ok; that what they are doing is making a difference. As a manager, staying connected with your people is one critical way to keep them engaged. What are you doing to keep your team connected?