1. Start at the top and continue in the middle

Although employee engagement is a shared responsibility, positive engagement starts at the top. Senior management that are positively engaged can often have a ripple effect on an organisation. All senior staff and management have a responsibility to engage staff which goes beyond just delivering directions and managing work flow.

2. Reward productivity

Remuneration is important however it is not the only way to engage employees. Incentive and recognition schemes can be a helpful way to increase employee engagement. Business will endeavour to find a balance between rewarding the employee and encouraging contributions that are in the best interests of the organisation. 

3. Provide flexibility

Today it is common for workplaces to have flexible work arrangements for a work life balance. This has been aided by the digital nature of many roles and advances in technology. Flexibility can have the benefit of attracting and retaining employees who have particular needs to create the right work/life balance. 

4. Create opportunities for growth

Employers need to become more creative about offering career progression and consider how employees can enhance their skills within existing roles. Growth may come through on-the-job learning, special assignments, job sharing, mentoring of formal opportunities. 

5. Encourage a positive, healthy and inclusive work environment

With advances in technology,  employees can be contacted any time so its important to keep psychological health in mind. It is common for workplaces to offer benefits that encourage positive, healthy and well balanced lives.

Legal Compliance Check List:

• Does the organisation have policies and procedures in place that prohibit discrimination, sexual harrassment and bullying and do these comply with the latest legal requirements?
• Do employees receive regular training face to face (at least once a year) on compliance with discrimination, sexual harrassment and bullying compliance?
• Do flexible work arrangements comply with the Fair Work Act and any modern award or enterprise agreement requirements?
• Does the organisation need a working from home policy that complies with work health and safety obligations so as to reduce accidents and hazards that occur when work is performed away from the traditional workplace?

With thanks to the FCB Group for their assistance with this article.