The new rules of employee engagement
The year 2020 was all about learning to do things differently. We all know from experience just how radically the workplace changed – and with it the rules of employee engagement.
Over the last 12 months, I have seen a significant mindset shift as companies pivot at speed and turn operational models on their head. We, as business leaders, have all faced the same major challenge: how to make decisions with limited insight into the future consequences. And throughout this turbulence, we have looked to our industry peers for guidance. Ultimately, it’s those that have lent on HR to ensure they also support the needs of their people that have seen the most success.
Adapting to new ways of working
For some firms though, the transition has been tough – particularly those that were not geared up for flexible working before the stay-at-home directives hit. But I have seen the disruption give rise to great opportunity, prompting digital adoption at an unprecedented pace and helping businesses that would have otherwise fallen behind to remain relevant.
Autonomy creates productivity
I am heartened too by the findings of Sodexo’s recent Experience Next survey, as 75% of business leaders reported they were surprised that giving employees greater autonomy has had such a positive impact on productivity. I can’t say I was surprised and do hope this is a trend that continues.
Our research also found that improving employee engagement relies on much more than increasing autonomy. As HR leaders, we must consider how the new world of work is shifting the rules of employee engagement. For instance, where flexibility was once a perk, it is now a given.
The future: daring to work differently
To engage employees in this new world of work we’ll need to be thinking about our corporate vision and purpose, the role of diversity, equality and inclusion, and how we can act sustainably and responsibly at all times.
It’s up to us to be brave enough to look forward rather than back – and dare to do things differently. This means taking care of our employees through the services we offer, providing a seamless experience that enhances their ability to perform a productive and fulfilling role no matter where they are operating from.
Are you up for the challenge? Our latest research has some great insights on where to begin when it comes to transforming the HR agenda.