Productivity is still a big issue for UK businesses, and employee engagement sits at the centre of the problem. Our performance does not compare favourably with many other countries, which affects our ability to compete.
Let’s take a look at the numbers. Studies from Gallup and Moreland in 2013 demonstrated that businesses with engaged employees enjoyed 21% higher productivity, boosting profitability by 22%. This was created by: 37% lower absenteeism & 10% higher customer satisfaction, 48% fewer safety incidents & 28% less waste. In addition, engaged staff would "go the extra mile” when required, adding up to a further 30% improvement to potential productivity.
We all know that working life affects both our physical health and our relationships, including those with our children. In his book "Employee Engagement for Everyone”, Kevin Kruse highlights spillover and crossover effects. These are used by psychologists to explain how our emotions at work flow into our personal lives, which can influence how our families respond to us. If we become fully engaged at work, we can dramatically improve the quality of our life outside work. It’s a win-win.
Only 8% of UK employees are actively engaged in their work, according to the latest Gallup poll. And 19% are actively disengaged, effectively sabotaging their companies! That means that 73% of employees are doing a job, sufficient to retain their position and their wage or salary, but not contributing any more than they need to. In fact, in practice most of these employees are effective for only 70% of their work-days! It’s clear then; being actively engaged can reap a significant productivity gain for a business, and much more fulfilment for the individual person - wouldn't that be better and more fun for all parties?
The maxpotenti business growth specialists have experience with multinational businesses and SMEs, and the path to engagement is usually the same in both. The business has a clearly defined mission, a set of values and a series of goals. The leadership walks the talk, rarely failing to act in accordance with the mission and values enshrined within the business. It doesn’t stand alone in the top ranks.
Imagine yourself as an employee; seeing that your immediate boss also walks the talk and feels that if you succeed then she or he succeeds – is a very powerful motivator for both of you. You buy into the mission and values; you buy into the goals and you recognise that the direction in which the company travels is in your interests; you see your immediate boss has a similar mind-set and is on your side. This is the way to secure employee engagement.
We work with ambitious business owners in or associated with, the engineering and manufacturing sectors to create the environment in which engagement and can flourish - that requires a consideration of leadership styles and culture, as well as meeting the individual motivational needs of each employee.
To learn more about how we can help, call maxpotenti on 0161 4646 156 for a no-obligation discussion, or email info@maxpotenti.co.uk to arrange a call at a time that works for you.
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