How To Keep Your Team Engaged With Their Work

What to do when your team are checked out

Contemplate for a moment how often you have observed capable people failing to deliver up to a standard reflective of their potential. Have you seen people behaving in ways that clearly undermine their success?

The simple truth is that, when people switch off, their potential is wasted. Success is entirely dependent upon both the ability and willingness people have to apply their talents and energy effectively.

Research shows an undeniable link between staff engagement and organisational performance. According to the Corporate Leadership Council for example, engaged organisations grow profits up to three times faster than their competitors. Disengagement however remains a significant challenge for the majority of organisations.

A Gallup report revealed that Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore have among the highest proportions of “not engaged” employees in the world.

In Malaysia, only 11 per cent of employees are “engaged”; 81 per cent are “not engaged”, and eight per cent are “actively disengaged”.

Tackling disengagement begins with recognising the signs early, and taking decisive steps to connect with and influence how people are feeling. Among the most commons signs of people who are ‘checked out’ are:

l. Poor performance

When people are failing to deliver up to an acceptable standard – despite having the skills, knowledge and experience needed – ask them if they are enjoying their job.

Errors, unfinished projects, mediocre effort, lack of focus, or simply failing to follow through are common
performance issues that arise when people ‘check out’.

2. ‘Sickies’

Simply getting out of bed and ready for work can feel like an insurmountable challenge when people lack the motivation to do their jobs.

While people of course need to take time off when unwell, take notice when they regularly take unplanned time off. Unplanned time off either side of weekends – especially when deadlines are upcoming or challenges need to be
confronted – are telling signs.

3. ‘Ordinary’ efforts

A lack of willingness to do more than is required is often reflective of disengagement. People who are fully invested in their role are typically happy to ‘go the extra mile’ and don’t have to be asked.

Engaged people are more likely to support their colleagues to reach goals or deadlines. Disengaged people tend to focus on what they need to achieve and avoid participating in the group.

They are more likely to palm off responsibilities and fail to step forward when the team needs them to.
Lifting engagement takes a deliberate approach focused on each person, and your team as a whole.

Critical steps to take include:

1. Connect with and get to know people

Talk to the people on your team about how they each feel about their role, your business and the future.

Explore with them the extent to which they enjoy their job and the team they are a part of. Don’t underestimate how common it is for people to simply not like what they do.

2. Manage energy

The strength of your team’s spirit has a profound influence on the level of engagement and ultimately, performance.

When energised, people are entirely more likely to choose effective thoughts, emotions and ways of behaving.

When drained of energy, however, most people are likely to respond in ways that undermine success.

3. Share an inspiring vision for the future

Build a clear picture of the future in which people can see the role they need to play. Inspire every member of your team to want play their role, by sharing insight into what you are collectively capable of achieving.

Strive to influence a strong sense of belief in the future and people are more likely to be energised by the challenge. In contrast, when people see little hope of success, they are more likely to disengage.

4. Influence a strong sense of personal value

How we feel about ourselves as well as how we believe other people feel about us plays a significant role in energising our spirit and influencing our engagement.

Most people are more likely to be engaged when they, for example, feel valued, capable and respected.

Reward and recognise people for the contribution they make. Even a “thank you” or public recognition of their efforts can make a big difference.

5. Build strong relationships

Create an environment in which people are expected to nurture healthy relationships that allow your whole team to thrive. With trust and respect for the people they work with, people are more like to be emotionally invested in your business.

Consider carefully the people you invite to join your team and the impact they are likely to have. Take early action to address conflicts that arise and behaviours that adversely impact how people feel about coming to work.

Karen Gately, a founder of HR Consultancy Ryan Gately, is a leadership and people-management specialist. Karen works with leaders and HR teams to drive business results through the talent and energy of people. She is the author of The People Manager’s Toolkit: A Practical Guide to Getting the Best From People (Wiley) and The Corporate Dojo: Driving Extraordinary Results Through Spirited People. To connect with Karen, e-mail editor@leaderonomics.com

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