How To | Keep Your Staff Happy and Engaged

Recruiting great new hires in the renewable and building services sector is one thing, keeping them engaged and motivated is another. 

Our economy in the UK is on the up which is great for business growth. However, it does give rise to a few challenges.  

As the job market improves and competition for strong candidates increases, companies are more likely to struggle to keep the employees they already have,if they aren’t happy and engaged in their current role or company. 

According to a recent research article engaged employees are happier, healthier and more productive, all of which is good news for your business.  

This post will give a few ideas on ways you can make this happen in your organisation. 

 

Start with The End in Mind 

In leadership circles, a well-read book is Stephen Covey’s  The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People. One strategy he teaches is to start with the end in mind and this relates to a previous article where we shared how important developing your culture is. If you want an engaged team culture, it’s ultimately possible, though you will need a plan to make this happen. 

 

Listen to Feedback  

There is a famous saying that the customer is always right, but don’t forget that Louise and Andrew your stalwart employees might also be right too. 

Your staff are a valuable source of information regarding the wellbeing of your business. For example, a Senior engineer might not realise that the lights on the shop floor are too bright or the music too loud, but the guys and girls who spend all day there most certainly will.  

If employees aren’t engaged, that suggests something is going wrong with your system. Don’t assume that they’re needlessly negative, instead listen to what they are saying and act on the information. 

 

Small Things Can Matter 

Changing the dynamic in your office doesn’t need a major overhaul. Sometimes simple steps can make a huge difference and keep your team upbeat and happy to stay with you. 

It’s the small actions  that demonstrate you do listen to your employees and that can make all the difference.

For example, are your staff drinking cheap instant coffee out of old chipped cups? Consider investing in some new ones and a decent brand. The cost is minimal, and the impact can be huge.  

I know this doesn’t sound earth shattering and it’s small considerations like this that matter to people. 

 

A Changing Workforce 

It is common that the more senior roles in building services and renewable energy organisations are held by either Baby Boomers or Gen X employees. 

While other roles are occupied by Millenials and Gen Z.  

Different age groups are motivated by different things. This can cause clashes within teams as each side fails to recognise the value each can bring. Don’t assume that different always translates into worse.  

You may find it strange how much younger employees talk to one another during work hours, but research indicates that the newest generation of working professionals puts fun and a great working environment, with people they like at the top of their wants and needs. Another signpost to create a culture that is fit for purpose. 

 

Offer Recognition and Reward 

One of the most common reasons for your staff to be ‘switched off’ is a lack of recognition of work well done or staying that extra hour or so to help a colleague who is snowed under. 

If one of your team puts all her effort and energy into a project and gets no recognition, she’s unlikely to rush to help in the future. 

Rewards don’t have to be elaborate, just saying; “that was a great job, John, I appreciate what you did, thanks.”; will make a huge difference. Let’s be honest we all want to be good at our jobs, and it’s always nice to have that noticed; isn’t it? 

These are just a few simple ways you can start appreciating your staff, and they will reward you tenfold. 

For more insight on recruitment and employee engagement, visit our blog section or contact us today for a friendly, informal chat about how A&D Recruitment could support your business.