Absenteeism and presenteeism are the two evils affecting all the industries. When a person is absent even if he is physically fit, it is called absenteeism. If a person is physically present, but mentally absent, it can be called presenteeism. Both instances prove employee’s lack of engagement.
The Society for Human Resource Management conducted a survey on employee engagement. In the process, six top factors for employee engagement have been identified.
Respect
Employees crave for respect and recognition. Indifference, insult, contempt or torture will not work hereafter. Employees expect basic respect in the workplace.
Pay
Till recently, pay was the top factor. This year, salary has become secondary. Yet it is the second most in the top list.
Benefits
Benefits and facilities occupy the third place in the list. It may be company transport. If the subsidized lunch is tastier than wife’s preparation, it is certainly a great benefit. Employees would like to visit the canteen even on a holiday.
Job Security
If the foundation is good, you will build a structure and even super structure over it. If the soil is loose, who will construct? Similarly, if the company gives a feeling of security, employees find the company worth attending. Security has two aspects. First, the company must have a sound future and solid prospects. Second, the management must not implement a whimsical hire and fire policy.
Opportunities for Skills
Every person has a skill. In fact, there is not even a single person on earth who is totally devoid of skills. Skills differ from person to person, but everyone has a skill. If there is scope in the company for the use of that special skill, employees enthusiastically attend the workplace.
Trust among Employees and Senior Management
Nothing is more assuring than somebody trusting you. If a person trusts you, that trust almost doubles your working capacity. On the other hand, suspicion totally weakens you and robs your capability from you. A family will not be successful without trust. A factory also will not be successful without trust. It must be 360 degree trust. Colleagues must trust one another. Superior and subordinate must trust each other.
So, respect, pay, benefits, security, opportunity and mutual trust are the top six factors that influence employee engagement in the modern situation.