Give Your Employees a Voice – See the Difference in Your Business

[caption id="attachment_6861" align="alignright" width="280"] Give Your Employees a Voice[/caption] Leaders are continually scratching their heads wondering what it takes truly motivate employees. Everyone seems to have good advice on the subject, but much of it is subjective. However, it’s well-known that when employees are actively engaged in their work that they tend to be better at producing, more effective managing their tasks, and positive when dealing with clients.

Increasing employee motivation by giving them a say

To increase engagement, employers should be mindful of the concept of giving employees a real voice – in the decisions that affect them. In this way, employees have the perception that they have some control over the outcome of their hard work, and that the leadership values what they have to contribute. At the same time, the company has the benefit of gathering feedback and ideas for improving things. This concept is not just another employee motivation trick. It’s actually based in science. In 2008, the Journal of Applied Psychology published a study that looked at the relationship between employee voice and motivation, and its impact on performance. Based on the Expectancy Theory of Motivation, we know that individuals are more apt to be motivated to perform a task when they see a clear link between their performance and the outcome. They are more motivated when their ideas are heard and valued by leadership and they believe they can perform the task well. The study showed that when employees were allowed a voice in the process, and then rewarded for their efforts, they outperformed others who did not have a chance to voice their thoughts.

How can your organization give employees a voice?

With the above evidence in mind, it makes sense to give employees an outlet where they may be heard by leadership – and flourish in their careers as a result. Now, there’s no need to install a new office in your department to handle employee requests, but there are some simple ways to start listening to your employees.

Provide a real-time feedback system

Years ago, all managers had to do was place a “Suggestion Box” in an employee common area and hope that employees would drop a note in there once in a while. Listening to employees didn’t really happen that often. But, in today’s world, we have access to modern systems that harness mobile apps and real-time employee engagement surveys to gather employee ideas. Look for a system that allows for direct communication between employees and company human resources.

Survey employees during critical decisions

If the company is undergoing a major change, such as bringing in a new leader or merging with another company, use this as an opportunity to conduct a pulse survey to get feedback from employees. This helps to alleviate complaining and misinformation, while it gives employees an opportunity to speak up.

Change one thing at a time

Rome wasn’t built in a day. Therefore, you won’t be able to tackle every matter in the workplace at once. Try to gather the most pressing concerns from employees and make little changes at a time. Be sure to follow up with employees with a progress update.

Review to measure the improvements

Take the time to step back and see what improvements have happened since employees have had a bigger voice in the organization. Do they seem more productive, happier, and motivated in their work? If so, you are on the right track.

Get employees engaged in the culture

Keep the momentum going by keeping employees engaged in the work culture, using the engagement platform to report on progress. Focus on encouraging employees to share their ideas, and make it a work environment where everyone’s ideas are respected and valued.

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To find out more about how Thymometrics' real-time surveys and feedback solutions can give your staff a voice and benefit your business, email info@thymometrics.com, call +1 646 760 9323 (US) or +44 (0) 1223 750 251 (Europe) or visit thymometrics.com. Image courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net