Employee empowerment has gained more attention over the last few years than any other issue in management. Unfortunately, most companies treat it as an often mentioned buzzword with no real action to back it up instead of a philosophy that guides business direction and operation. In a survey conducted by Rapt Media, only 32% of US employees feel engaged at work. With this alarming statistic in mind, this post will aim to outline some solutions to empower employees and help them understand their importance to the company.

1. Foster Open Communication

Provide Context

Knowledge is power and by giving employees information on why a decision was made, you allow them to understand the behind-the-scenes workings of the company.

Share Vision & Goals

Lay out a clear vision for the company and the goals associated with it. Doing so will show employees where the company is headed and what needs to be done to get there. This gives a big picture outlook to employees that may not always see the impact their role has.

2. Support Independence

Offer Flexibility

It is critical that you don’t micromanage your employees. This will cause them to form a dependence on you, leading to a lack of initiative and creative thinking. You should serve as a guide while allowing them to make their own decisions on certain duties. While failure isn’t always ideal, it may be necessary in developing and building a strong employee.

Reward Success

Another statistic from the Rapt Media survey shows that 35% of employees feel their company doesn’t care about them. One way to show you care about your employees is by rewarding them when they do something good. When they accomplish a task, offer advice for company improvement or develop a new skill you should make sure that they feel appreciated as a worker and as a person.

3. Require Accountability

Define Roles

Make it clear to employees what their role in the organization is and explain their importance. Some people, especially those in minor roles, may feel their work has no real impact and it is up to you to show their significance.

Present New Opportunities & Challenges

Give employees new opportunities to develop their skills. You will be improving the growth potential of the company. When someone feels that they are in a dead-end job, find a way that allows them to take the next step in their career. An employee is more likely to work hard when they are working for something.

Interested in more blogs like this one? Check out The Break Room at QPS Employment Group