23 August 2024
Many company leaders believe employees are focused primarily on pay and benefits. However, trust, communication, benefits, and other organisational factors are not just crucial, but they have a profound impact on keeping employees engaged. Employee engagement has a ripple effect in organisations, with the potential to dramatically improve or worsen retention, productivity, customer satisfaction, and profitability.
As a leader, your pivotal role in increasing employee engagement starts with examining what employees need regarding mental health support and creating a healthy work culture. Employee engagement is how connected and committed employees feel toward their company. It’s a mental and emotional attachment.
When engaged, employees genuinely enjoy what they do and want to contribute to the company’s success. On the other hand, disengaged employees feel disconnected from their work. They might grumble about their tasks, put in minimum effort, or lack enthusiasm for connecting with colleagues.
Engaged employees are enthusiastic about their work and emotionally invested in helping the company meet its goals. They are passionate about taking on difficult projects and contributing new ideas.
Why is employee engagement important?
The relationship between employee engagement and well-being goes two ways. Engaged workplaces encourage employees to focus on their health. As a result, engaged employees tend to eat well, exercise more, and are less likely to have chronic health conditions than disengaged employees.
Employees who feel well are better able to focus on work. Engaged employees are more likely than disengaged employees to participate in employer wellness programs and have happier home lives, contributing to overall well-being.
Higher-quality work: Engaged employees are more invested in their work and more connected to their environment, which can lead to safer, higher-quality work.
Customer satisfaction: Engaged employees, being happier and more connected to their jobs, are more likely to provide better customer service, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Company profitability: Highly engaged teams not only perform better but also generate greater profitability than disengaged teams, making a strong case for investing in employee engagement.
Mental health benefits can be part of employee engagement strategies and propel an organisation forward. By ensuring employees feel their best, they can be fully present and engaged at work. Proactive communication about how to access these benefits and combat stigma is key to creating a supportive work environment.
UASA is a partner of Lyra Health, a professional organisation that assists employees with professional health services through different life stages. UASA encourages other organisations to prioritise their employees’ wellness to ensure that they receive efficient support to help them overcome mental health challenges.
Ref: www.lyrahealth.com www.uasa.org.za