Do You Have Engaged or Non-Engaged Employees?

The success of your company is based on the types of employees you have working in your office.  The employees you manage can enhance your office environment, customer relationships, and profits. 

First of all, the immediate manager is the primary example of the type of behavior and attitude you want from your direct reports.  As the manager, you must have an upbeat enthusiastic attitude about your job and company.  This enthusiasm is contagious and will be caught by your employees.   Engaged managers are a positive influence on all three types of employees.

Non-Engaged Employees

These employees are neutral to the company’s initiatives.  They are not positive or negative about your company.  These people show up most of the time and do only what is expected of them.  They may not be actively looking for another job, but would have no problem leaving if another job presented itself.  There is no company loyalty with these employees.  Many times, these individuals started with the company as engaged employees but their engagement slips over time.  Non-engaged employees will not ask for extra work.  They will only work the required hours, no over time.  According to a Gallup research study, on average 56% of the U.S. workforce is made up of non-engaged employees.

In order to re-engage these workers, have a real discussion with each employee privately.  Ask what they want out of their experience with your organization.  Find out if they have any ambition or desire to promote.  Also, by giving them work they enjoy that highlights their skills will help the process.

Actively Disengaged Employees

These employees are the most detrimental to your morale and success of your organization.  Disengaged employees make up 15% of the nation’s workforce.  These workers are extremely unhappy and they don’t mind expressing their unhappiness openly in your office.  They may be described as saboteurs or non-workers by other employees.  If placed on a team project, they will place most of the work on their team members.  If you have many disengaged employees in your company, you will need to make some immediate changes in your personnel.  These individuals can bring down your organization with their sour faces and openly toxic words against the company. 

Actively disengaged employees will speak frankly on their complaints of their manager or company.  Attempt to re-engage these employees by listening to the problems the employee is having.  Although, you do not want to encourage dissension among your staff, they may have some valid points.  Their complaints may lead you to some process improvements that will enhance the entire organization. 

Engaged Employees

These workers are the bright spots in your organization.  A successful company with outstanding performance numbers is made up primarily of highly engaged employees.  Engaged employees make up an average of 29% of the workforce.  These people bring excitement, productivity, and creativity to your office environment.  Many times their attitudes can be contagious to your non-engaged employees.  Be careful not to squelch their enthusiasm.  Also, don’t ignore them by thinking they don’t need as much attention because they bring their own motivation.  Engaged employees need the pats on the back and encouragement just as much as the non-engaged employees.  Spending some of your time motivating them will keep their enthusiasm high.  Give this group the opportunity to stretch their talents and skills which will instill even more confidence.

To have an engaged employee base you must first have an organization that fosters trust in management, fair compensation, and a positive company outlook.