HR And Its Role In Employee Engagement

2018 was a challenging year for HR managers and heads of department. From absence management and retention through to the ongoing difficulty of GDPR compliance, all indications are that these challenges will continue to affect businesses in 2019. Perhaps one of the greatest challenges for 2019 will be delivering an engaged workforce.

The concept of employee engagement is not a new one. An engaged employee will be passionate about their work, will stay longer and deliver better results. Yet as recently as 2018, the Office of Budget Responsibility’s (OBR) report on British productivity found that UK workers were 15% less productive than their EU counterparts. Providing a definitive answer to the lack of engagement is challenging but what we can agree that retaining staff has a positive impact on innovation, motivation and communication not to mention company profitability.

Why is employee engagement important?

Managing employees during times of change is difficult. The UK is experiencing one of its biggest political and socio-economic upheavals with the country’s departure from the EU. As we are enter into the unknown, firms have to create action plans that are flexible. No one knows yet what a post-Brexit world will look like, but we are confident that increased employee engagement could help to balance the uncertainty and insecurity that Brexit entails.

How to improve employee engagement?

Flexible working

The CIPD has stated that ‘HR can make a strong case for using flexibility as a strategic tool to support improved individual and business performance through developing greater diversity, brand competiveness and increasing levels of job satisfaction and commitment from workers’. It’s ironic then that previous studies have found that working from home can negatively impact mental health. Ultimately it’s up to employers to engage with their staff on an individual basis to determine what best suits them.

Inspire and educate

Business leaders can support engagement by keeping an open, two-way dialogue to ensure that their staff feel that, despite the current turmoil, which they are there to support. A strong manager’s impact cannot be underestimated and you manage people you need to ask yourself five key questions:

Have you put your employees in the right role?

Have they had appropriate training?

Have you given them meaningful work?

Are you checking in with them often?

Are you frequently discussing engagement?

Businesses with high employee engagement are overtaking their competitors when it comes to productivity and profitability. Engaging employees is not an easy task and doesn’t happen overnight, however the benefits it brings are long-term. The question is, are you up for the challenge?

Are you an HR professional looking for a new role? Have a look at our HR jobs or get in touch directly with Jenny Paterson.

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Navigating Career Crossroads: Your Guide to a Fulfilling Your Next Career Move!

12 Feb, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of the professional world, many of us find ourselves at crossroads, contemplating a change in career or seeking new opportunities to ignite our passion.

September Surge – Our Top Tips for Job Seekers

by Shazamme System User • 07 Sept, 2023

Summer is over. September is here. For you lovers of the summer, this can often bring feelings of the blues, but September can represent a time for a fresh start. This time of the year can offer many opportunities for job hunters to find a new job that aligns with their skills, goals, and experience. Check out our top tips on how you can land your dream job this time around (and why you should work with Kelly). 1. Get Clear On Your Goals First and foremost, you must have a clear objective of what you want for your career. Searching for a new job can bring feelings of excitement and motivation but it can also be overwhelming for applicants. Having an idea of what industries, you would like to work in, the timeline in which you would like to find a job, and the companies you’re interested in will reduce those negative feelings but will also give you a sense of direction and focus. 2. Update Your CV The next thing you should look at is improving and updating your CV. Have you demonstrated your most valuable skills? Have you highlighted your most important accomplishments and achievements? Have you included your personal websites, business profiles, and your LinkedIn profile? These are some of the many things to consider when updating your CV. Job applicants should also keep in mind that you should adjust your CV for every job you apply for. You should customize your CV so that it reflects the job you’re applying for. 3. Work with a Recruiter Are you aware of the benefits of working with a recruiter? Recruiters are experts in the hiring industry. They can help save you a significant amount of time during your job search as they know exactly what jobs are available in the market and they can match you with a role that aligns with your experience. Recruitment consultants can help you improve your CV and cover letter as well as make sure you are prepared for interviews. If you would like to read more about the benefits of working with a recruiter, click here . September is an excellent time of the year to find that new opportunity that you have been longing for. By following these tips, you should be on the right course to navigate the job market and find a role that suits you. It’s important to stay positive during your job search as it can sometimes be a lengthy process. But just remember, the right opportunity can take time. If you would like assistance during your job search, please do not hesitate to reach out and email us at info@kellyservices. co.uk. Or click here to search our latest vacancies and apply today!

Change. How to turn your fear into fuel for a rocket move and wake up in a different reality.

28 Aug, 2023

Rephrasing the famous song, “Love is in the air”, let’s talk about change is in the air – and everywhere. We grow. We change. Look at your childhood photos. Watch your kid, your nephew, your niece. The change is there, and it’s incredible. Nature is constantly changing. We wait for summer as the time to enjoy outdoor activities and gardening, for a quick visit to the beach, or simply take time to relax and spend time with family, friends and loved ones. We wait for winter (even if we never see snow falling) to decorate the house for the holidays, pack presents for the people we love and unpack our own. The colour of the leaves changes, the weather shifts, and flowers blossom in their time – the landscape is constantly transforming. The world around us is changing. We travel to other countries and learn new things, cultures and languages. We take on new hobbies. We get new skills. After a couple of minor kitchen accidents (sometimes), we can cook delicious dishes and get compliments from family and friends. We transform our bodies at the gym or simply by creating the habit of walking every day. We meet new people, we sometimes fall in love, we build families, we have kids. And if you step back for a second, you realise you might have met your other half by pure accident. But you took a leap of faith into the unknown. We embrace many types of unknown change, except for the one that can change how we live five days a week – to change jobs. “I am too old/too young to change”, “I’m used to this environment; It’s my comfort zone”, “Well, I don’t get any promotion, and what I do doesn’t change the world, but it’s stable”, “I am afraid to ask for more interesting projects. What if my manager fires me?”. We often don’t want to change because that step requires a vision, courage, external support, and a leap of faith into the unknown. Scary? Yes. But also promising. A step into the unknown? Yes. But it can open a new door. Do your inner values marry what you do? Yes, it is essential. There is nothing terrible about staying in your comfort zone. At some stage of your career, staying put can be an excellent decision. But if you feel that you need a change – talk to Kelly. We don’t mind going the extra mile and support your wish to embrace the change. The one which will give meaning to what you do, feel proud, motivated and fulfilled. Ready for changing? We’ll make sure your talent can truly shine.