Leveraging Technology to Enhance Employee Engagement in the Workplace
July 30, 2024
Having an engaged team is key to fueling organizational success. Discover best practices for leveraging technology to motivate and engage employees in the workplace.
Employee engagement in the workplace is one of the biggest determinants of success. Engaged employees are more productive, satisfied and proactive, driving better business outcomes.
Likewise, leaders committed to their teams’ happiness and health foster a positive work environment that also increases productivity, lowers turnover rates and improves overall company performance
The research about employee engagement says a lot. For instance, companies with a highly engaged workforce are 21 percent more profitable, according to Gallup. Another report by Gallup found that 68 percent of employees who are engaged and feel connected to their organization’s culture are less likely to feel burned out at work.
The importance of employee engagement is no secret. But figuring out how to improve employee engagement can be challenging for many organizations. Fortunately, modern HR technology solves many of these challenges by providing tools that enhance communication, recognition, feedback, learning and overall well-being.
Exploring Employee Engagement & Technology
What is employee engagement exactly? Why is employee engagement important? And what does it have to do with technology?
One way of looking at employee engagement is as an emotional connection employees have with their organization and its goals. It means employees aren’t just there for a paycheck (although appropriate compensation always matters!), but employees genuinely feel connected to the company’s mission and success.
That doesn’t have to mean always feeling passionate about work. But employees should feel motivated, appreciated and valued.
Many employees do feel that way, which is fantastic news. Gallup’s 2024 report found that about 30% of employees are highly engaged.
However, a significant amount of employees are falling through the cracks. In fact, that same Gallup report found that almost one in five employees (17 percent) are actively disengaged.
There are a few reasons why disengaged employees are struggling to connect at work. The most common engagement challenges include:
- Communication struggles: Ineffective communication channels can lead to misunderstandings, a lack of transparency and a sense of disconnect between employees and management.
- Lack of recognition: When employees feel their efforts go unnoticed, their motivation and engagement significantly drop.
- Limited career development opportunities: Without opportunities for professional growth and advancement, employees often feel stagnant and disengaged.
- Balancing remote work: With the rise of remote and hybrid work, maintaining a cohesive and engaged workforce can be more challenging. Employees may feel somewhat isolated or disconnected from their colleagues and company culture. On the other hand, many employees value the flexibility of remote work and return-to-office policies can also impact job satisfaction if not properly managed.
The Role of Technology for Engaged Employees
For each of these challenges, an employee engagement platform offers a solution. In fact, according to a survey by Gartner, HR leaders say technology is their top investment priority in 2024 – for the third year in a row.
An advanced employee engagement tool helps:
- Improved communication: Internal communication platforms make it easier for teams to stay connected. These tools enhance transparency and foster a collaborative work environment.
- Recognition and feedback: Recognition programs supported with technology like Inspirus Connects help ensure employees feel valued and appreciated. Plus, feedback tools like The Happiness Index make sure employees’ voices and opinions are heard. The combination of the two is powerful for boosting employee morale and motivation.
- Professional development: E-learning platforms, along with gamified training programs, provide accessible and engaging opportunities for skill development and career advancement. Some of these training tools may be developed in-house or, in other cases, organizations offer employees a learning stipend to cover the costs. These tools are better able to cater to the individual development needs of employees, increasing job satisfaction and retention.
- Wellbeing and flexibility: Health and wellness apps support mental and physical health, while remote work technologies facilitate more flexible working arrangements that promote work-life balance. Investing in employee well-being not only benefits employees but also leads to reduced absenteeism and turnover, as healthy and happy employees are more likely to stay committed to their jobs.
Using Tech for Communication Tools
Effective communication is a cornerstone of any employee engagement strategy. Technology has revolutionized how we communicate in the workplace, making it easier for employees to stay connected, collaborate and feel involved.
Benefits of Internal Communication Platforms
- Improved transparency: Open and accessible communication channels help foster transparency within the organization. Employees are kept informed about company updates, project statuses and important announcements, which builds trust and alignment with organizational goals.
- Enhanced collaboration: Real-time messaging and collaborative tools allow team members to work together more efficiently, regardless of their physical location. This is particularly beneficial for remote and hybrid work models, where maintaining a sense of team cohesion can be challenging.
- Real-time communication: Instant messaging and video conferencing is vital for communicating and receiving feedback promptly. This immediacy helps in quick decision-making and problem-solving, keeping projects on track and employees engaged.
Internal communication platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams and others are standards in nearly all workplaces now. But they are not the only options.
Take internal communication to the next level with a solution like Inspirus Connect Social, that’s designed to bring the entire organization together. For example, share company news and information in a way that reinforces values, mission and branding with customizable spotlights and a company-wide feed of real-time posts.
Employee Recognition and Rewards Systems
Showing appreciation is one of the most critical parts of fostering employee engagement. Digital recognition platforms like Inspirus allow for instant recognition of employee achievements – both publicly and privately. Acknowledging and rewarding contributions has never been easier.
There are many ways to show recognition, such as:
- Real-time recognition from managers: Instantly recognize and reward employees for their achievements and contributions, reinforcing positive behavior.
- Peer-to-peer recognition: Enable colleagues to recognize each other, fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment.
- Customizable and tangible awards: Tailor recognition programs to align with company values and goals with rewards that are both meaningful and relevant.
- Monetary points: Use a points system to incentivize peer-to-peer recognition, allowing employees to earn and redeem points for monetary rewards, enhancing both motivation and engagement.
Recognition is a process rather than a one-time event and, done right, is incredibly powerful.
Leveraging technology like Inspirus helps you make sure your recognition program is:
- Timely
- Personalized
- Balanced between public and private acknowledgement
- Relevant Motivating
Using a digital platform also makes the recognition program more accessible for all team members to participate in, fostering a company-wide culture of appreciation rather than just a top-down initiative.
Learning, Development and Gamification Technologies
Investing in employee learning and development is crucial for fostering a skilled, motivated and engaged workforce.
Platforms such as Coursera, Udemy and LinkedIn Learning are popular options that provide employees with opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth. These tools make training accessible and engaging, no matter where the employee is located.
Internal training and learning hubs, on the other hand, are tailored to meet an organization’s specific needs. These hubs act as centralized repositories for all training materials, company-specific courses and development resources to encourage employees.
Regardless of which route employees take, incorporating game mechanics into training and development makes learning more engaging and effective. Gamification is a powerful learning tool when used correctly and can be incorporated into everything from training to meetings.
For example, consider:
- Interactive learning modules: Incorporate quizzes, challenges and interactive scenarios into training modules.
- Points and badges: Let employees earn points and badges for completing courses and achieving milestones, which can then be redeemed for tangible rewards.
- Leaderboards: Display top performers to encourage healthy competition and motivate employees to excel in their training.
Health and Wellbeing Apps
In addition to programs that directly impact employee productivity, offering tools that foster a balanced and healthier lifestyle can significantly enhance overall employee engagement.
Digital mental health platforms and apps, for instance, have revolutionized access to mental health support. These tools offer remote services such as therapy sessions, meditation exercises and other coping strategies. AI-powered tools such as chatbots and virtual assistants offer real-time support, helping employees manage stress, burnout and anxiety.
Wearable devices like fitness trackers and smartwatches have become increasingly popular for monitoring health metrics. These devices can be integrated into wellness programs. They also make hugely popular gift options for recognition and reward programs, motivating employees to stay active and healthy!
Improve Employee Engagement With Technology
Advancements in technology open the door to huge opportunities to engage employees and foster a productive, satisfied and committed workforce.
From advanced communication tools and recognition platforms to effective employee engagement strategies, making sure employees feel valued, supported and motivated doesn’t need to be difficult.
Ready to boost employee engagement and drive business success? Discover how Inspirus can transform your workplace. Get in touch today!