Linked: The Surprising Power of Simply Asking Coworkers How They’re Doing
This is often a very overlooked part of employee engagement, but it might actually be the most important part. I’ve always been more motivated to go to work, and be productive, when I work with people I like and have some connection to:
“So how can companies connect more effectively with employees and help them feel like they belong within their workplace community? The results of our survey pointed to one simple solution: establish more opportunities for colleagues to check in with one another.
We found that 39% of respondents feel the greatest sense of belonging when their colleagues check in with them, both personally and professionally. This was true across genders and age groups, with checking in being the most popular tactic for establishing a sense of belonging across all generations. By reaching out and acknowledging their employees on a personal level, companies and leaders can significantly enhance the employee experience by making their people feel valued and connected.”
Of course, in order to do this, many an HR professional is going to have to get out of the way. So many organizations are now so afraid of #MeToo moments, workplace bullying, and harassment, that they would rather no one ever have any conversation that isn’t just about work. There are better ways to provide a safer environment than keeping everyone apart.
Or, management is so focused on what I like to call “butts in seats”, that they measure performance not on any actual work output, but on the amount of time spent at their desk, away from any interaction with coworkers.
That’s no way to make employees feel connected to their peers. It just makes them all feel completely distrusted. That is, however, a good way to get them to think about leaving.
https://hbr.org/2019/02/the-surprising-power-of-simply-asking-coworkers-how-theyre-doing
