With the current economic situation, and companies struggling to survive, many are looking to make staff redundant as a way of cutting costs. I was interested to read an article in Management Today, that highlights ways in which to keep staff engaged and motivated. With the view to improve staff morale and productivity, and in a bid to keep staff onside within the business.
The article outlined eight ways to keep staff engaged:
- Show that you have a plan – A way of showing people that you are confident and are prepared to show leadership through the difficult period. By emphasising the things that you can do, and not dwelling on negative aspects.
- Be open but be realistic –You need to tell staff what is happening and how you plan to resolve any issues that arise. But don’t give them false hope, as this will only lead to disappointment in the end.
- Do it in person – Communicating to staff face-to-face, will build employee confidence in your ability to survive the situation. Use management that work with the staff on a daily basis, because there tends to be greater trust and confidence in them, rather than more senior managers that are rarely seen.
- Involve your people – In difficult times, staff like to feel like what they are doing has some meaningful contribution, and that they are actually making a difference to the company.
- Show your compassion – If the need arises for you to make people redundant, you need to show that you have looked to other alternatives before redundancy, this will also improve the confidence of the remaining staff.
- Redefine success – Don’t allow staff to be blamed for situations and outcomes that are out of their control. By setting achievable targets and goals, it can lead to greater success for staff.
- Offer recognition – Show staff that you appreciate the work that they are doing. Whether this is through employee of the month schemes or simply telling an employee that they have done well.
- Keep on celebrating – Congratulate all success, whether it is a case of gaining new business or a team member winning an award. Staff will perform better if they feel that their achievements are recognised.
The article also highlights things to say and not say to staff, when you are trying to engage and motivate them.
“Do say: 'We will be honest and open with our people, and show them the way forward, but we will also be realistic about our prospects during this downturn.'
Don't say: 'We're all doomed.'”
The suggestions that are made are in regard to the current economic climate, but they can easily be applied to everyday business situations, as a way of keeping employees engaged and motivated, whilst at work.
A further article in Management Today that may be of interest, when addressing the issue of engaging staff is; The Next Steps: Engagement - Views on engagement.
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