Employee engagement: Rule #9 - Keep them in them informed

“Engaged employees are in the game for the sake of the game; they believe in the cause of the organization.” – Paul Marciano, PhD

It is crucial for employees to feel that their employers keep them well-informed about the various aspects of their jobs. Engage for Change research into workplace engagement revealed that 16% of employees feel that their business operates in secret with little opportunity to get involved in decision-making. Only 11% revealed that they are well informed and involved in giving feedback. CIPD’s 2006 survey showed that only four in ten employees are satisfied with the opportunities they have to feed their views and opinions upwards.

Tips on how to keep employees well informed:

• News updates: Keep them up-to-date with developments in the company and give them a chance to voice their opinions on such developments. The 2006 CIPD survey showed that two in five people feel they are not kept well informed about organisation developments
•  Opportunities: Keep employees in the loop about upcoming opportunities for career progression within the company
• Benefits and support: Ensure that staff are fully informed about available support structures offered by the company, i.e. benefits, healthcare
• Ask employees what they need to know: Regularly consult with them about their jobs so as to identify any information gaps
•  Roles and responsibilities: Keep them informed of their responsibilities, so that they are always fully aware of what their role entails in usually dynamic working environments

Keeping employees informed will also improve their sense of purpose. A 2015 survey from Deloitte revealed that 57% of employees who believe they work in a ‘purpose-driven’ company reported a high-level of job satisfaction, compared to 23% of those who don’t.

Check out Employee Engagement Rule #10 - Trust them

Employee engagement a definition:

"a ‘mutual gains’ employment relationship, creating a win-win for employees and their employers. It’s usually seen as an internal state of being, both physical, mental and emotional, but many also view it as encompassing behaviour and in particular work effort."