Empower employees by connecting with them

Showing employees you care about them personally is a great way to boost engagement and build loyalty.

Getting this right can boost business performance and keep staff happy, which business strategist Chris Green said should be a top consideration for employers.

“Most employees are looking for a reason to come to work beyond a pay packet. Connection with staff provides the opportunity to create alignment with the greater purpose of the organisation,” said Mr Green.

“People turning up to work inspired and with purpose are much more likely to be engaged with the business, dedicated to their role, and be invested in the success of the organisation.”

Empowerment can be a powerful tool to drive business success. It can inspire growth and development on both a personal and professional level.

Mr Green commented: “If the business is to grow beyond the capacity of its leaders, it is critical that people across the organisation are empowered and have agency to flourish and thrive in their roles.”

“In connecting with and empowering staff, business owners can leverage their knowledge through their people and, in doing so, grow the capacity of the business beyond themselves. When people are empowered, they grow personally and professionally and, in doing so, foster an environment of continuous improvement, which ultimately increases the capacity of the business.”

A simple but effective way to achieve this connection and reach empowerment is to be generous with your time as a leader. Showing face and being there to personally support staff can inspire and engage staff, said Mr Green.

“Leaders who spend time with their staff and particularly those that actively mentor their people, have the opportunity to re-enforce the objectives and direction of the business,” he explained.

“This fosters a feeling of belonging, of being supported and an understanding of the greater purpose of what we are trying to collectively achieve. Belief in the organisational purpose ultimately creates engagement and often leads to increased staff satisfaction and wellbeing at work.”

Another effective engagement method is investing time into employee development. Showing staff you care about their professional growth can be a great way to empower them.

“Training and development, when structured effectively, can be a means for organisations to build capacity and better engage their people,” said Mr Green.

“As people learn, they develop more autonomy in their roles and become better equipped and more impactful in the organisation. Not only does this aid the business, but the person also feels more capable as they contribute significantly to the team success and the collective good.”

He added: “This, in turn, drives feelings of utility and, in doing so, increases workforce engagement.”