Harris KhanEmployee engagement works like fuel that propels your business ahead. If your people are engaged, they will give their best productivity, efficiency, and loyalty. You can expect them to stay for the long haul and contribute to the growth of your business. But small businesses often struggle with engagement strategies. Tighter budgets leave less room for lavish bonuses, flashy perks, and endless parties. The good thing is that you don’t need to spend a fortune on employee engagement. You can build it through trust in relationships and good intentions for your team members. Here are some simple ways to go the extra mile on a small budget.
Provide value-adding benefits
Employee engagement depends on the benefits you offer to your team apart from the financial remuneration. Small businesses need to be extra conscious about picking the right ones to make the best of the limited budget. Look for relevant ones like wellness initiatives, which matter the most in pandemic times. Likewise, you can provide fuel expenses to help them skip public transport and use personal vehicles to commute to work.
Keep the communication flowing
Employees appreciate employers who encourage them to speak up and express their ideas, opinions, and concerns. The best way to engage them is by keeping the communication flowing. Provide them with multiple, open-access channels to connect with managers and leaders. Ensure response to every comment and query. It is easier for small businesses with fewer people on board, so take advantage of the opportunity.
Conduct surveys for feedback
Even as you provide communication channels, you cannot expect everyone in the team to be vocal. Let them share feedback through employee engagement surveys because they are more likely to share honest opinions. Plan the survey wisely, picking the right questions to get valuable insights. Implementing these surveys may take some effort, but they provide a fair idea of satisfaction levels. You can use these insights to focus on efforts that matter and ditch frivolous ones.
Celebrate accomplishments
Small businesses often fail to celebrate accomplishments because they are too busy with day-to-day tasks. But you can go the extra mile by appreciating and incentivizing employees who perform. You need not entice them with big bonus checks. A small celebration for the team and words of appreciation go a long way in boosting morale. Small cash incentives are worthwhile because employee loyalty pays back.
Foster a positive work culture
If you want to think long-term for employee engagement, you can rely on a positive work culture as a strong foundation. Foster a culture that prioritizes diversity, appreciates talent, and works for the general good of employees. People tend to stick with such employers and spread the word too. You get the benefit of engaging the existing workforce and attracting top talent with a strong employer brand.
Employee engagement can set your business apart. The good thing is that it need not pinch your budget, even as a small business. You can follow these strategies and engage your team without disrupting your finances.
