EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT LACKING IN SOUTH AFRICA
While the world begins working towards developing an engaged workforce, many South African organisations embrace a management style which leaves employees demotivated and adding little value in terms of productivity.
The importance of creating an environment that encourages employee engagement cannot be emphasised enough.
I define employee engagement as the emotional connection an employee feels towards his or her organisation. This connection tends to influence the employee’s behaviour and level of effort in work related activities. Employee engagement can only be possible when managers establish and maintain a platform for staff to express their thoughts and opinions.
With reference to the AON 2015 Trends in Global Employee Engagement it must be noted that, worldwide, employee engagement has increased slightly from 61% to 62% over the past year.
At 67%, the report identifies Africa as showing the second highest levels of employee engagement across the globe. Although the African continent has generally adapted well to this trend, South Africa is lagging behind.
The Public Display Technologies (PDT) 2014 State of Employee Engagement Survey noted that South Africa has experienced serious lapses in staff involvement, encouragement of ideas sharing and managers’ proficiency to lead as well as communicate with their teams.
This should be a concern for South African organisations as the report goes on to reveal that 85% of the workforce believes their motivation and performance would improve drastically if their company management made an effort to communicate more efficiently with them.
This lack of engagement can therefore be seen as a factor of demotivation, holding staff back from achieving their true level of productivity.
With 58% of employees surveyed by PDT feeling as though they do not have an opportunity to contribute to decisions that directly affect them, it’s clear that employers begin expressing an openness to engage with employees is by adopting an ‘open-door policy’ - extending an open invitation to staff to address any concerns, questions or complaints they may have.
Ensuring that employees are involved in the decision-making process not only gives them confidence and a sense of empowerment but also increases motivation to work more efficiently and make meaningful contributions.
The most successful companies are those whose visions and goals are aligned with those of their staff. A sense of indifference by employees is a major sign of a lack of engagement.
Top tips for effective employee engagement:
- Adopt an ‘open door’ policy;
- Recognise and reward favourable behaviour and progress regularly;
- Encourage innovative thinking and idea sharing;
- Recruit new employees based on values and leadership skills first;
- Be a reflection of the values that your company stands for;
- Give your employees opportunities to grow; and
- Be transparent and accountable.
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Kay Vittee is the CEO of Quest Staffing Solutions and previously she worked at Absa. Kay is also a superb business leader who inspires her organisation to live the essence of superior customer service. Clients trust her judgement and will continue to include her in driving quality solutions for their businesses. |
