Now is the time for companies to rethink, rebuild, and transform their employee engagement processes. A company’s practices and policies determine the culture of an organization and the employee experience. Performance management and engagement are a critical part of an employee’s decision to stay and grow at a company. This is how employees perceive their value and how their contribution and compensation are evaluated by managers. It is the main indicator about their ability to progress, and therefore influences their intent to stay at a company.
Our classic performance management was tied to office presence and participation in face-to-face meetings. Now that remote and hybrid work practices are more of the norm there has been a shift in what methods can help drive employee performance. Even more challenging is we have some staff in the office and some working remote and some doing a little of both and we must determine an overall policy that is beneficial for all. We have to meet employees where they at figuratively and literally in the new workplace.
A Deloitte survey found that 94% of US professionals believed part-time work from home would benefit them as they can enjoy complete freedom and work flexibility. In addition, nearly one-third of employees said they are ready to leave their job if their company does not allow remote working. It is evident that hybrid and remote work culture is here to stay and putting employee engagement strategies on hold is no longer an option for companies. How do you find the right balance as you begin this new hybrid work culture roadmap that puts employees first?
Driving Employee Performance & Engagement in Remote/Hybrid Teams
Employees who have control over their work schedules have more time for things that arise in their lives and work-life balance is priority number one. Work-life balance is a key priority for many countries, and that’s why many have come up with the idea of a four-day work week. A company survey or questionnaire may be a good strategy to get some quick feedback.
Communication – Frequent and Transparent
Companies encounter communication issues in a normal face to face workplaces when people see each other every day. Since everyone works remotely now, it is natural for employees to feel disengaged and unaware of what exactly is going on in the company. The success of any business depends on frequent and transparent communication. An investment in a new set of collaboration tools such as Zoom, Slack, and MS Teams allow for faster, virtual face to face and chat communications. Virtual monthly staff meetings and weekly meetings on these platforms to keep the staff engaged.
Rethink Office Space for Collaboration
Rebolledo, Chief People Officer at Krispy Kreme, Tope Sadiku, Global Head of Digital Employee Experience at Kraft Heinz, and Ki Thompson, Head of Leadership Development for Experiences & Devices and Technology & Research Organizations at Microsoft Corporation, recommended reconsidering the office’s purpose. In the age of hybrid work, they argued that office space should be used for collaboration, socialization, and the likes of annual retreats. People should have the option to come into the office or even be required to do so a few times per week, but they don’t have to do their focused work there. Sadiku explained that Kraft Heinz has modular furniture, whiteboards, and desks that are not assigned to anyone, so the space is useful for teams collaborating and brainstorming.
Prioritize Employee Health &. Wellness
Health and wellness are now part of HR’s checklist. It is no longer an upcoming trend; it has become a must-have and is crucial to drive employee engagement. As companies shift to the new hybrid working environment, employee mental health should remain a top priority. Hosting mental health awareness events, employee mental health check-in surveys or virtual trainings.
Make Employee Training Development & Recognition & Priority
Employee training and development programs play a critical role in your company’s success. By providing employees with high-quality, comprehensive employee training programs, employers can help them improve the skills they already possess and fill in any knowledge gaps they have. Just as essential to employee development is employee recognition. In a hybrid environment, it’s easy to miss an outstanding performer, making this a significant factor. Give your employees visibility through meaningful mentions and rewards to showcase their growth.
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