Engaged and Happy employees are the powerful driving force behind a successful and flourishing workplace culture

 

What is Employee Engagement 

Employee engagement refers to the emotional and psychological commitment that employees have towards their work, colleagues and organization. Engaged employees are passionate about their work, feel connected to their colleagues and the mission of the company and are willing to go above and beyond to contribute to the success of the organization.

Engaged employees are more likely to be productive, creative, and committed to achieving their goals. They are more likely to stay with the company for a longer period of time and to act as advocates for the organization both inside and outside the workplace. Employers can encourage the employee engagement by creating a positive work environment, providing opportunities for growth and development, recognizing and rewarding employee contributions, and promoting a culture of open communication and collaboration.

(netsuite.com,2020)

What is Employee Happiness ?

Employee happiness refers to the emotional state of satisfaction, pleasure and contentment that an employee experiences in their work environment. Happy employees love their work, feel valued and appreciated by their colleagues and Managers and have a positive attitude towards their job and the organization.

Employee happiness can have a important impact on the success of a company. Happy employees are more likely to be motivated, productive, and engaged in their work. They also tend to have healthy relationships with their colleagues and customers leading to improved teamwork and customer satisfaction.

Employers can promote employee happiness by creating a positive and supportive work culture, offering competitive compensation and benefits, providing opportunities for learning and development, recognizing and rewarding employee achievements, and fostering open communication and collaboration. By prioritizing employee happiness, employers can create a work environment that attracts and retains top talent and promotes long-term success for the organization.

Employee Engagement Vs. Happiness at work 

Both employee engagement and happiness at work are important for companies to focus on, as they are both linked to important outcomes such as productivity, retention, and customer satisfaction.

Employee engagement is a more strategic metric that is directly linked to business outcomes, as engaged employees are more likely to be productive, committed, and willing to go above and beyond to contribute to the success of the organization. By focusing on engagement, companies can create a culture of high performance and achieve their business goals.

Happiness at work, on the other hand, is more focused on individual well-being and satisfaction. While happiness at work may not be directly linked to business outcomes, it is important for creating a positive work environment and promoting employee retention. By focusing on happiness at work, companies can create a culture of positivity, respect, and support, which can improve employee morale and reduce turnover.

In short, companies should focus on both employee engagement and happiness at work to create a well-rounded and effective work environment. By prioritizing both engagement and happiness, companies can create a culture that promotes high performance, well-being, and retention, leading to long-term success for the organization.

(Vanita Vishram Innovation Center - SPTMC,2020)

What are the best practices in Employee Engagement?

Here are some best practices in employee engagement:

Create a positive work environment: 

Ensure that the work environment is helpful, inclusive, and respectful. This can be completed by promoting a positive workplace culture, encouraging employee feedback and providing support to employees.

Provide opportunities for growth and development: 

Offer training and development programs that help employees learn new skills, advance their careers and contribute more to the organization.

Recognize and reward employees: 

Provide regular recognition and rewards to employees for their hard work, accomplishments, and contributions. This can be in the form of bonuses, promotions or other methods of recognition.

Encourage work-life balance: 

Offer flexible work schedules, telecommuting options and other benefits that promote work-life balance. This can help employees feel appreciated, reduce stress, and increase engagement.

Foster communication and collaboration: 

Generate an environment that encourages communication, collaboration and teamwork. This can be done through promoting open communication, providing opportunities for feedback and creating a culture of trust and transparency.

Empower employees: 

Give employees the freedom to make decisions, take ownership of their work, and contribute to the organization's goals. This can help to increase engagement by showing employees that their contributions are treasured and appreciated.

Measure and track engagement: 

Frequently measure and track employee engagement through surveys and other feedback mechanisms. Use this information to identify areas for enhancement and develop strategies to increase engagement.

(assignmentclassmates.com)

In conclusion, employee engagement is an significant factor in the success of any organization. Engaged employees are more productive, creative and dedicated to the company's goals and values. They are also less likely to leave their jobs, which decreases turnover and recruitment costs. Companies that prioritize employee engagement can expect to see improved business outcomes, including increased revenue, customer satisfaction, and employee retention. There are countless strategies that companies can use to promote employee engagement, such as providing regular feedback, recognition, and opportunities for growth and development. It is essential for organizations to prioritize employee engagement if they want to succeed in today's competitive business environment.

References : 

assignmentclassmates.com (no date) Employee Engagement in Workplace with Best Practices [online] Available from https://www.assignmentclassmates.com/blog/employee-engagement [Accessed 21 April 2023 ]  

interactsoftware.com (2017)Employee happiness is not the same as employee engagement [online]Available from https://www.interactsoftware.com/blog/employee-happiness-is-not-the-same-as-employee-engagement/[Accessed 21 April 2023 ] 

NetSuite (2021)What is Employee Engagement? Why Does It Matter?[online]Available from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITvnYco_J9s [Accessed 21 April 2023 ] 

quantumworkplace.com (2020) 6 Employee Engagement Best Practices for Highly Engaged Cultures [online] Available from https://www.quantumworkplace.com/future-of-work/employee-engagement-best-practices [Accessed 21 April 2023 ]

Vanita Vishram Innovation Center - SPTMC (2020)Employee Engagement [online] Available from https://youtu.be/nfX5cwldA2M [Accessed 21 April 2023 ]