How to Embrace the Future of Work Through Technology and Employee Engagement

People, not technology, will always be the differentiator and ultimately, the success of any business. The future of work is all about people. Regulations, technologies and trends will continue to evolve. Through all of this, the humanity of work will not only remain important but essential.

The role of technology is not to disrupt or replace. Rather, it is here to support businesses by providing efficient work management and enhancing employee engagement.

What is Employee Engagement?

An employee who simply turns up to work and one that is motivated and genuinely enthusiastic about their job can be the difference not just in behaviour but also for the company’s overall success.

Gallup defines engaged employees as “those who are involved in, enthusiastic about and committed to their work and workplace”

While traits such as enthusiasm, motivation and commitment may not be straightforward to measure or convert to hard data, business outcomes from levels of employee engagement are obvious.

Why is Employee Engagement Important?

It’s important to focus on employee engagement to boost a positive employee experience. While this may seem intangible, the results of motivated, innovative workers have a significant effect to a company’s bottom line.

Recent research shows that a positive employee experience can lead to:

Customer satisfaction. When organisations focus on the employee experience, this have a positive impact on customers, with customer satisfaction scores increasing by 100%.

Innovation. Employees who come to work inspired and motivated go above and beyond than simply filling their job role. Engaged employees can bring to the table fresh, innovative ideas. Whether that be for a new product line or improvements for operational procedures, employee engagement generates enthusiasm and forward thinking. Above all, it all helps increase revenue.

Increased profitability. Research proves it. Companies who invest in their people will see an increase in profitability as much as, or even more than 25%.

Reduced employee turnover. Business leaders understand that people are the greatest asset for any organisation. They are also the biggest cost. When employees leave, it’s not just a vacant headcount. The skills and experience that needs to be replaced requires time and money in training the new recruit. Positive employee experience can reduce employee turnover by as much as 40%.

According to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace report, 85% of employees are disengaged. Establishing that a high level of employee engagement leads to business success and tangible bottom line results, business leaders can embrace technology and the exciting opportunity it brings to enhance and deepen employee engagement.

At the centre of the future of work, is employee engagement – without engaged workers, there is no work. You need to have a workforce that is connected and motivated, as employee experience reflects in customer experience, which reflects in revenue.

How to Drive Employee Engagement

Communication and connection between managers and staff are fundamental in driving employee engagement. A one-on-one meeting can encourage the employee to explain articulately what their core needs are for them to be successful in their job role. People, not technology, will always be the differentiator and ultimately, the success of any business. The future of work is all about people. Regulations, technologies, and trends will continue to evolve. Through all of this, the humanity of work will not only remain important but essential.

Managers who have meaningful and open conversations with employees can discuss how individual job roles can align with company values. If company values or goals shift or change, this needs to be articulated with employees.

Honest discussions provide managers the chance to let employees know they are part of the organisation’s bigger picture, giving them a sense of belonging and purpose.

In turn, employees can outline what they need in their job and workplace to achieve a positive employee experience. Perhaps it is appreciation, recognition or flexibility. Maybe it is something that managers have not yet considered such as more team involvement or autonomy.

Business leaders can fall into the mistake of assuming an employee’s needs. Harnessing a connection between managers and employees can eliminate misconceptions and presumptions.

Using Technology to Further Drive Employee Engagement

As technology continues to advance especially around Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation, there is the challenge – and opportunity – for business leaders to guide their organisations into the future of work.

Technology that steers efficient work management and drives employee engagement is vital while facing the current global challenges. Simultaneously, it needs to effectively facilitate the human aspects of the workforce.

How to bring your business forward in an ever-evolving climate is to transform your operations with technology, take opportunity to drive employee engagement, encouraging positive, productive and fulfilling employee experience.