Organisations and enterprises that do not invest in employee engagement tend to suffer setbacks, such as loss in productivity and profitability due to a disengaged workforce. The prosecution of independent research, in this field, has shown that the areas in which South African workers are most displeased include:

– Inadequate perks and end of service benefits
– Salaries that are not competitive or market driven (or related)
– Unequal pay for equal work
– High staff turnover
– Limited retention of top talent
– Misleading/unfulfilled promises from management
– Management oblivious to employee wellbeing
– Insufficient and disparate performance rewards and recognition
– No clear KPIs
– Toxic work culture
– No clear growth prospects
– Trust issues within the work environment
– Inadequate and inconsistent communication from top management
– Working hours not conducive to work/life balance

So how does investing in employee engagement initiatives help? Employee engagement theory is based on the notion that an employee that is engaged is: physically, emotionally, and cognitively invested in their job role/job task due to certain psychological conditions being realised. Supplementary theory links engagement to the idea of passion, enthusiasm, and commitment an employee exhibits when performing a job role/task. Organisational commitment is central to engagement. When employees have engaged their organisational commitment peaks and they are not solely focused on monetary gains, but instead are focused on aligning themselves to the organisation’s goals, vision and mission. High performing organisations that invest in and action engagement initiatives can retain their talent, boost productivity, support employee wellness and overall align their employees to the organisation goals.

No longer does a single individual control ownership, make every decision, and determine the success of the business. Success is the result of favourable decisions established collectively by management and the input and commitment of every single employee. Today, the way employees are engaged in an organisation will determine the longevity of the organisation. Success in business starts with an engaged workforce. Therefore, organisations must invest in employee engagement initiatives.

Author: Purusha Gihwala