Employee Engagement Trends for 2016

Organisations have been trying to “sell” employees on engagement but what employees really want is happiness, pure and simple. Instead of declaring undying loyalty or planning long-term career intentions, employees want to enjoy their work, find meaning in it, be recognised when they do well and feel a sense of achievement.

What can you do?

• Acknowledge contributions and effort. Go beyond the cookiecutter recognition programme and create unique recognition tailored to employees’ passions.

• Recognise service. Don’t wait for the traditional five-year anniversary. Celebrate milestones early and often, including at one month and one year.

• Enhance your culture. Work should be somewhere employees want to be, not have to be. Don’t be afraid to give them opportunities to thrive.

TREND: Ask more from managers

Of course it’s true that the standard practice is to acknowledge contributions made across every level of the organisation. But still, there’s an added zing when an immediate supervisor or manager notices - and recognises - excellent work. Managers might need some help in spotting and rewarding desired behaviours but the effort will pay off in the long run.