Are disengaged employees hurting the value of your business?

2 min read
Apr 19, 2017 12:00:00 AM

Engaged employees can add real value to your business - but conversely, disengaged people can really hurt you. Try to stave off this problem.

Every company wants to make money, and in the abstract sense, they all have the same idea of how to do it - hire talented people, get them to work productively and reap the benefits of that productivity. Except here's a common problem that business leaders run into - what do you do when your people are talented, but lack the engagement in their jobs to do great work?

Companies are trying to get the most out of their employees, but they're running into frequent trouble with engagement.

Sadly, this is a widespread issue across Australia today. Companies are trying to get the most out of their employees, but they're running into frequent trouble with engagement. This may well have a tangible impact on their ability to make a profit.

If this sort of problem is afflicting your business, it's high time you did something about it.

Disengagement can cause real financial damage

If it's not already clear why you should care about how to motivate employees, some recent survey data from Carnegie Management Group should help. The organisation recently found that among today's workforce, only 25 per cent feel engaged with their jobs; another 25 per cent are actively disengaged, and the middle 50 percent are "just doing enough to keep out of trouble."

That middle group can be worrisome. Business leaders worry a lot about absenteeism and its impact on productivity, but the reality is "presenteeism" can be just as bad. This is when workers technically show up to the office, but they're not engaged enough to do good work. Carnegie estimated that presenteeism punches a $33 billion hole in Australian industry each year.

How can you improve the situation?

So if you acknowledge that flagging employee engagement is a problem, what can you do to fix it? According to research from recruitment company Michael Page, two of the most important staff incentives you can offer are inspiring leadership and meaningful work.

You want people to be happy and productive in their jobs.

People are more likely to commit to their jobs if they love their bosses and are passionate about working hard for them. They also tend to respond well to job assignments that fit their strengths and invite them to pursue their passions.

Use rewards programs to boost people's spirits

If you're still looking for creative ways to boost employee engagement and make your people productive again, one possible course of action is to use employee rewards programs that will make work fun and collaborative for everyone.

Our programs are customisable and scalable, designed to fit the needs of all different types of staffs and businesses. You choose the results you want to measure and reward; we take care of the rest. Get in touch with us today if you'd like to find out more.