Baseball and apple pie. And during the first week of July fireworks and family celebrations can be added to the list. It’s “celebrate America’ week across our country. People everywhere will find a way to celebrate in some form this week, the essence of celebrating freedom and proclaiming pride in America.
Symbols of celebration take on many forms. For some, a cookout and fireworks ensue, others love water sports on a lake, and others simply enjoy a parade with flags flying high. Why do we participate in these activities? It’s simple. We are proud of our country, its heritage and the many freedoms it brings to all.
So, what about your workplace? Do your employees take the same pride in wearing your name and celebrating you?
In today’s competitive workplace, loyalty and pride in the workplace are two characteristics that can only occur from employees who are 100% engaged. Recent studies indicate voluntary turnover is expected to be higher in 2013 and 2014 compared to those in 2012, in most every area of job responsibility. With this reality, leaders must have a sense of urgency to ensure employees are actively engaged. The roadmap for this is rooted in effective leadership.
Start with these questions. The answers will give a great starting point for feedback and possible change.
- Where possible, do your employees purchase your products or services? If not, why?
- Do your employees recommend your company as a great place to work? If not, why?
- Do your employees recommend others to work with and for you? If not, why?
- Do your employees share positive stories about your company, their experience with customers or each other? If not, why?
- Do your employees often offer suggestions and ideas that will make your company better in some way? If not, why?
Healthy employee engagement may not result in fireworks and apple pie. But you can bet it will be a place your employees and customers are proud to call their own.