DQ 5-1

DQ 5-1

Response 1

I worked for one company that did a great job of supporting an engaging environment. This company had two employees in a department they called the “wow” department.  They were responsible for employee recognition and company culture.  They would walk around with bells, and whistles to recognize employees on a weekly basis.  They were always looking at ways to support us.  We would have quarterly company parties, and a yearly award ceremony party. We would receive company swag on our desk some days when we would come into work.  We had cards that we would receive stickers and once you had so many stickers you cou2ld turn them in for company branded prizes.  This was a fun environment to work in and it made people want to come to work.  The culture was so productive and people seemed to really get along. 

When I think of examples of fostering a culture where employees are engaged in their jobs I think of Zappos.  Their environment fosters happy employees. The have a relaxed dress code.  They have monthly team building, this allows employees to get to know each other and make friends. “72 percent of employees who have a best friend at work are more satisfied in their jobs compared to 52 percent who do not have a friend at work” (Younge, 2018). They offer an office library where employees can borrow books, or some companies use audible.com for their employees. They offer internal currency which helps recognize employees.  Employees love to be recognized.  They offer free meals and snacks to all their employees.  They offer a relaxation area where employees can nap throughout the day, since napping increases alertness.  They offer an environment for employees to be themselves.  Some additional benefits they offer are onsite wellness, pet insurance and a 40% discount off products (Younge, 2018). 

The one example I think that could foster an engaging environment in the work place is companies paying for employees education or allowing employees to attend personal development seminars. I know some companies do this right now, but there could be more companies that help with this.  Most of us want to improve ourselves, and if companies are on board with doing this for employees I think this helps employees be more engaged and more committed to that employer.  I know from personal experience I am grateful to be sent to professional development seminars.  It gives me time to recharge and come back with more motivation. 

 

Younge, J. (2018, May 18). 7 Zappos Amenities that Boost Employee Happiness. Zappos. Retrieved from: https://www.zappos.com/about/employee-happiness-amenities

2 What experience have you had with organizations supporting an engaging environment? What examples have you seen or heard that have helped foster a culture where employees are engaged in their jobs? Share one strategy or example that you believe can foster an engaging environment in the workplace.

 

Supporting engagement in a work environment is prominent. According to Dessler, (2016), moderately engaging individuals in programs that include computer interface instructions along with the individual’s feedback is a way to help foster the culture of the environment.  Also, incentive programs are useful for engagement of the working environment as it provides the employees with positive feedback and pushes them to want to succeed in the productivity for the company.  Incentive programs offered would increase engagement in job performance. 

I had the pleasure of working for a Pediatrics Medical Center, located in Indiana, that provided the employees are Christmas bonus.  The bonus was based on attendance, punctuality, and customer service.  Providing this program was great because it enacted the employees to be more involved and strive to better themselves and boost company morale.  Personally, providing help to customers is engagement enough for me, providing someone the tools they need to help assist them in awareness is pleasurable; however, it was nice for the incentive bonus from the medical providers.

A rewards program would also be a benefit for engagement in the culture for the company.  A positive reinforcement effort from managers would also be engagement for employees.

 

Dessler, G. (2016).  Human Resource Management (15th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall. ISBN-13: 9780134235455

3.

In order to work in an engaging environment individuals who, hold leadership roles must establish this type of environment first. When supervisors and or managers know what is required to establish a balanced work environment, employees feel encouraged to participate and go with the flow. In the event, that this isn’t evident from the top employees tend to go their separate ways and that is when issues arise. Working within an engaging environment allows employees to work together as a team which keeps everyone at ease. Most organizations implement engagement as a program that’s ancillary to the actual business. But, by thinking about employee engagement as a planned business strategy-with expected and measured business results-employee engagement becomes possible. With this in mind, employee engagement as a successful business strategy needs effective managers who are committed to:

 

· Measuring employee performance and holding employees accountable

· Providing the communication necessary to align each employee’s actions with the organization’s overall business goals

· Pursuing the employee development required to ensure success

· Making a commitment (in time, tools, attention, reinforcement, training, etc.) to keeping employees engaged over the long haul because they fundamentally believe no other strategy will produce as much success-for both the business and the employees(Heathfield, 2018).

 

Currently in the state agency I work for, our immediate supervisors have established a well-balanced work environment. There is an open door policy which reassures employees that if anything were to happen, we can reach out for guidance. If someone feels overwhelmed, employees always offer a helping hand and follow-up to confirm we are feeling better. We work well as a team and knowing we have this type of environment encourages employees to work harder and do a great job. Although, there are times when instant gratification isn’t given knowing that senior staff is content with the work we perform is very rewarding. Keeping everyone informed and providing constructive feedback is a great way to foster an engaging environment in the workplace.

 

Reference:

Heathfield, S.M. (2018). The Balance Careers. Create a Work Environment that Encourages Employment Engagement. Retrieved from

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/create-work-environment-for-employee-engagement-1917575