I’ve asked many a business owner or CEO who their most “expensive” employee is. They typically say it is themselves or whoever the highest paid employee is. But that is often not true. An organization’s most expensive employee is their least engaged employee. Their least engaged employee may not be just disengaged, they may be actively disengaged. That means they are acting in a way that’s likely to cause other employees to disengage too.

Those actively disengaged employees are by far your most expensive employees. They not only offer little in the way of productivity, they hinder the productivity and performance of others as well.

No business can afford disengaged employees. Yet many do little or nothing to ensure their people remain engaged throughout their employment. They will sometimes conduct an exit interview to determine why someone decided to quit. The information they obtain however, for a variety of reasons, is unlikely to drive any kind of meaningful change in the company.

While they know turnover is a problem it’s apparently not a big enough problem to address it.

Until it’s too big to solve successfully.

Keeping employees engaged is crucial for maintaining a positive work environment. It’s vital for fostering productivity and reducing turnover. Here are several strategies you can implement today to keep your employees committed and engaged.

• Effective Communication:

• Regularly communicate with your team. Share updates on company goals, achievements, and challenges.

• Encourage open and transparent communication. Create a culture where employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns.

• Set Clear Expectations:

• Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and expectations. When employees know what is expected of them, they are more likely to stay engaged and motivated.

• Provide Opportunities for Growth:

• Offer professional development opportunities, such as training programs, workshops, and conferences. This not only enhances their skills but also shows that you invest in their future.

• Recognition and Rewards:

• Acknowledge and reward employees for their hard work and achievements. Recognition can be both formal (awards, promotions) and informal (public praise, thank-you notes).

• Flexible Work Arrangements:

• Allow flexibility in work hours or remote work when possible. This can improve work-life balance and contribute to employee satisfaction.

• Employee Involvement in Decision-Making:

• Involve employees in decision-making processes, especially when decisions impact their work. This gives them a sense of ownership and importance within the organization.

• Team Building Activities:

• Organize team-building activities or social events. This helps build a positive team culture and strengthens relationships among team members.

• Provide a Positive Work Environment:

• Create a comfortable and pleasant workspace. Consider factors such as lighting, office layout, and amenities to contribute to a positive work environment.

• Encourage Innovation and Creativity:

• Foster a culture that encourages employees to share their ideas and be creative. This can lead to innovative solutions and a sense of fulfillment.

• Regular Feedback:

• Provide constructive feedback regularly. This helps employees understand their strengths and areas for improvement, promoting personal and professional growth.

• Employee Wellness Programs:

• Support employee well-being by offering wellness programs. This can include health initiatives, fitness programs, or mental health support.

• Promote Work-Life Balance:

• Encourage a healthy work-life balance. Avoid overloading employees with excessive work, and respect their time outside of the office.

• Fair Compensation and Benefits:

• Ensure that salaries and benefits are competitive within the industry. Feeling fairly compensated contributes to employee satisfaction and engagement.

• Leadership Development:

• Invest in leadership development programs. Effective leadership fosters a positive work environment and sets the tone for employee engagement.

• Regular Check-ins:

• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with employees to discuss their progress, address concerns, and provide support.

By combining these strategies and tailoring them to the specific needs of your organization, you can create an environment that promotes employee engagement, satisfaction and loyalty. Regularly reassess and adjust your approach based on feedback and changing circumstances within the company.

Do not assume that because an employee, even a great employee, was engaged last week that they are still engaged today.