Engaging the workforce is an uphill battle.
Gallup reports that less than a third (30 percent) of U.S. workers say they are engaged in their jobs. And that's far greater than the global estimate: 13 percent.
Gallup polls in the past have shown that a lack of engaged managers is largely to blame for this phenomenon. Only about 20 percent of managers are able to motivate workers to get personally involved in the corporate mission.
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But without listening to employees about what they need to become engaged, workplaces are fated to plod ahead, held back by the lack of engagement.
In its latest tome on engagement, Gallup challenges worker bees to take the initiative and see if they can be their own motivator.
Gallup lists 12 factors that drive engagement, such as knowing what's expected of one's job, having the opportunity to do one's best, being heard by bosses, and getting recognition.
Speaking directly to employees, Gallup says that if they can learn to look for these factors during the work day, they can begin to change the workplace from the bottom up. Here are some of its recommendations:
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Understand that engagement is a choice, and make the choice to become more engaged.
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Define what personal engagement looks like, and review good and bad habits that can affect one's level of engagement.
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Establish positive work habits and repeat them.
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Create a detailed plan for building personal engagement based on good habits and strengths, with goals included. Share the plan with others so they see that you are serious about making the workplace a better environment.
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Be accountable by sticking with the plan, measuring your results and celebrating achievements.
"There's no such thing as a stress-free workplace. Employees in every industry and every type of role often face hurdles and negativity when they come to work—and that includes employees like you. But you have a choice in how you respond to daily challenges, and if there's nothing else you can change about a situation, at least you can choose your attitude and approach," Gallup says.
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Dan Cook
Dan Cook is a journalist and communications consultant based in Portland, OR. During his journalism career he has been a reporter and editor for a variety of media companies, including American Lawyer Media, BusinessWeek, Newhouse Newspapers, Knight-Ridder, Time Inc., and Reuters. He specializes in health care and insurance related coverage for BenefitsPRO.
