Because there are so many great articles on employee engagement and creating a culture of appreciation in the workplace, I want to share the best of these resources with you. Here are my favorite insights on employee engagement this week. I have included some of my thoughts on these gratitude strategies (“Grategies”) and would like to hear your comments too.
How To Turn Good Employees Into Great Leaders
(Leadership) “Networking will teach them how to forge powerful connections, initiate conversations with strangers and act with the confidence of a leader. Not to mention, it can also provide business opportunities (referrals and/or partnerships) as well as opportunities to share ideas and knowledge. Finally, networking can help turn good employees into great leaders by raising their reputation within the industry.”
My Thoughts: An interesting take on leadership: how much more engaged will your employees become when they talk to others about your company? As an avid networker, this is a valuable tip.
Happy workplace, happy workers, greater productivity By William Wan
(Straits Times) “When kindness and graciousness are deeply rooted in an organisation’s culture, these workplaces will profit from greater synergy, employee engagement and loyalty, and more fulfilling working relationships. This translates into a more motivated workforce and lower staff turnover, so employers can better retain talent.”
My Thoughts: Kindness and gratitude are easier concepts to grasp for use in our personal lives, but not so much in business. Since we’re spending the bulk of our waking hours at work, doesn’t it make sense to create a more positive culture?
Showing Appreciation at the Office? No, Thanks by Sue Shellenbarger
(Wall Street Journal) “Of course, it can take finesse to say thank-you at work in the right way, without embarrassing or annoying people. When Sandy Hackenwerth wanted to thank a project director on her team in front of her own supervisor, the employee protested, saying she would be embarrassed. Asked what she wanted instead, she requested use of Ms. Hackenwerth’s executive parking spot for a day. Ms. Hackenwerth, a vice president for a St. Louis consulting firm, complied.”
My thoughts: Thanking people in the way THEY want to be acknowledged is the key to creating a culture of appreciation. Your employees are all wired differently. Asking them how they like to be recognized goes a long way in deepening their commitment to your organization.
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Lisa Ryan, creator of Grategy® is a professional speaker and bestselling author who focuses on workplace culture including employee engagement, retention and recognition as well as customer loyalty and retention. For more information contact (216) 225-8027. For information on Grategy® programs please visit http://www.grategy.com. Follow on Twitter: @Grategy
