IRF latest engagement report overview
The The Incentive Research Foundation has just released it’s latest study on employee engagement. Key takeaways from the paper include a new definition for employee engagement, an evolution it’s initial conception. Defined by them now as going above and beyond for the company. There is no widely accepted definition and this is not a new one, but i think it aligns well in that it includes a focus on the connection between employees and their company, rather than purely on employee’s own behaviours.
This leads in to their next key takeaway which is in which elements of one’s role do they engage in. Drilling down to more specific tasks in one’s role ensures one’s engagement and related behaviours actually translate into positive outcomes for the company. They split these roles into a number of categories. Obviously there is the core role, the most obvious and important aspect to one’s job. For example a sales manager’s core role will be to meet sales targets. However they also identify some other non-core roles which include; innovation, team players and organisational citizens, and improving one’s skill sets. It was found that also focusing and measuring performance in these areas has a significant effect on engagement levels.
In terms of recognition to reinforce these core and non-core roles, it is important when presenting trophies and plaques to reward the correct behaviours and achievements. While most companies will run a sales award program it is mostly measured in core role elements such as most sales, highest dollar sale etc… To improve the effect on engagement levels through recognition and reward programs it is key to also pay attention to the non core areas. Presenting trophies for innovation, team spirit and most improved are examples of categories that will reward these behaviours. It is a relatively cheap exercise to present a few more awards at your next event or to rename and change the engraving on some existing trophies. Please visit http://theirf.org/research/engaged-in-what-part-1-engagement-timeline/1157/ to read the full report
