Employee engagement is more critical than ever; recent research by HR and payroll software company, Ciphr, highlights significant workforce mobility. Claire Williams, Ciphr’s Chief People and Operations Officer, delves into 10 actionable strategies to better engage your employees. These practical tips aim to help organisations build a motivated, loyal workforce in the year ahead.
A survey of over 1,200 UK employees by Ciphr last autumn revealed that one in seven have recently started a new job, while a quarter are actively job hunting, driven in part by cost of living pressures. Younger workers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are the most likely to seek better-paying roles, with over half of Gen Z employees looking to switch. Job searching is especially prevalent in industries like sales, consulting and hospitality, and among Londoners, with 37% actively seeking new roles.
The job market remains highly competitive, with retention continuing to pose a significant challenge for employers, particularly as financial pressures persist. While inflation has eased from recent double-digit levels, the cost of living and doing business remains elevated.
Research shows that salary is rarely the sole factor influencing whether employees stay with or leave an organisation. Elements such as work/life balance, workload demands, career development opportunities, management practices, job autonomy, appreciation, a sense of belonging, fairness, job security and strong benefits all play crucial roles in shaping employee decisions.
Ciphr’s findings underscore the importance of retaining and engaging employees in today’s competitive job market, as businesses face heightened challenges to maintain a stable, motivated workforce.
Here are 10 actionable tips to better engage your employees – and hopefully keep them around for years to come.
- Foster open communication
Open communication is a cornerstone of employee engagement. When employees feel their voices are heard, they’re more likely to feel connected to their work and their organisation’s mission. Encourage regular one-on-one meetings between managers and team members to discuss progress, challenges and goals. Establish feedback channels, such as anonymous surveys or suggestion boxes, to ensure employees can share their thoughts freely. And once received, make sure all comments are logged and responded to, or actioned, so those who gave feedback feel truly heard. Transparency about company decisions and initiatives can also help employees feel informed and valued, fostering a stronger sense of belonging.
- Invest in career development
Employees who see opportunities for growth are more likely to stay motivated and engaged. Offer robust training programmes, mentorship opportunities and clear career progression paths to help employees advance in their roles. Personal and professional development initiatives show that your organisation values its workforce and is willing to invest in your employees’ futures. Engaged employees are those who feel challenged and supported in building their skills and achieving their career aspirations.
- Recognise and reward achievements
Recognition is a powerful driver of engagement. Whether it’s a simple ‘thank you’ or a formal rewards programme, acknowledging employees’ efforts can significantly boost morale. Celebrate both individual and team accomplishments, highlighting contributions that align with company values and goals. Recognition doesn’t have to be expensive – it’s the act of showing appreciation that matters. Regularly praising employees for their hard work creates a culture of positivity and reinforces behaviours that drive success.
- Encourage a healthy work/life balance
Overwork and burnout are major contributors to disengagement. By offering flexible working options, mental health support or additional paid time off, employers can show they care about their employees’ wellbeing. Programmes like wellness initiatives, flexible schedules or hybrid working models can help employees balance their professional and personal lives. And flexible benefits, like a cycle to work scheme and gym membership, can encourage employees to take time to focus on their health outside of work. When employees feel supported in maintaining a healthy equilibrium, they’re more likely to remain committed and productive.
- Empower employees with autonomy
Giving employees the freedom to make decisions and take ownership of their work fosters a deeper sense of purpose. Trusting your team to manage their own projects, solve problems and innovate, shows confidence in their abilities. Autonomy not only enhances engagement but also boosts creativity and accountability. Employees who feel empowered are more likely to be invested in their work, as they see their contributions directly impacting the organisation’s success.
- Create a strong sense of purpose
Employees who understand how their work contributes to their organisation’s mission and goals feel more connected to their roles. Share the company’s vision frequently and tie individual and team objectives and achievements to the bigger picture. By highlighting how their efforts make a difference, employees are likely to feel a stronger sense of pride and engagement.
- Promote team collaboration
Strong workplace relationships can significantly boost employee satisfaction and engagement. Encourage cross-departmental collaboration through team-building exercises, joint projects and social events. Tools like project management platforms or regular team check-ins can streamline collaboration and foster a sense of camaraderie. When employees feel supported by their peers, they’re more likely to stay motivated and engaged.
- Support employee wellbeing
Physical, mental and emotional wellbeing are critical to engagement. Offer resources like employee assistance programmes, gym memberships or wellness workshops to support a healthy lifestyle. Provide mental health days or stress-management training to ensure employees feel cared for beyond their work responsibilities. A focus on wellbeing can create a culture where employees feel valued as individuals, not just as workers.
- Provide regular feedback and guidance
Constructive feedback helps employees grow and keeps them aligned with company goals. Regular performance reviews and informal check-ins can provide clarity and motivation, and HR software can be used to record what was discussed, any actions, new objectives and more. Equally, invite feedback from employees to identify areas for improvement within the organisation. A culture of two-way feedback fosters mutual respect and ensures employees feel heard and valued.
- Celebrate milestones and special occasions
Marking milestones like work anniversaries, birthdays or project completions creates a sense of community and appreciation. Organise small celebrations, send personalised messages or offer tokens of recognition. Celebrating these moments reminds employees they are part of a supportive environment that values their contributions, further enhancing engagement.
Keep your best people for years to come
Employee engagement is the cornerstone of a thriving workplace. By fostering meaningful connections, supporting development and recognising achievements, HR teams can create an environment where employees feel valued and motivated to excel. However, implementing and sustaining these strategies requires the right tools and insights. Providers like Ciphr offer integrated HR, payroll, learning and recruitment solutions that empower HR teams with intelligent people data to boost engagement, enhance retention and drive impactful change across the business.