It increasingly seems like a utopia, employees who genuinely care about the business. In an economy where employees increasingly hop from one job to another, commitment and loyalty seem far away. Research by the American agency Gallup shows that less than 10% of employees feel involved in the company where they work. That is of course very little! How are things going at your company? And how important is it to have a high level of involvement within your organization?

What drives engagement?

Involvement depends on many things. Some people are naturally less or more involved than others. They feel a more or less emotional bond with the employer. And of course, involvement also depends on the position. In many cases, a shelf stacker in the supermarket will be less involved than a manager or consultant. And yet the best performing, excellent employees are often not particularly committed. They know that they are well positioned in the market, have numerous career options and are mainly concerned with their own development. In this case, your company is a means to achieve the higher goal, nothing more. But what drives actual involvement within an organization? A number of matters are of particular importance.

Clear vision and leadership

If there is anything that increases engagement, it is an inspiring leader with a strong vision. When employees can identify with the company's leadership and the vision they represent, engagement will increase. The team will be proud of what the organization radiates.

Common enemy

The reason why many challengers in various markets are so successful is because they have a high level of involvement. This is caused by the joint fighting spirit to chase down the market leader, in this case the enemy. The underdog is always more motivated than the leader, just look at sports. A sub-topper can always perform slightly better against a top team.

Informal working atmosphere

A informal family environment also certainly contributes to involvement. If you can forge a team that actually interacts with each other as friends outside working hours, the barrier to switching to another organization is much greater. Then not only career plays a role, but also the emotional bond that your employees build with each other. As a manager you play an important role in this by dealing informally and openly with your team.

Why is involvement important now?

The economy is changing. Technological developments and individualization play an important role in this, including the advent of the Internet. As an organization it is therefore becoming increasingly difficult and important to create involvement. We have listed a number of reasons for you.

Technology

Technological advances are making many jobs redundant. Strangely enough, this only makes the importance of well-engaged employees even more important. The employees make the difference between all the technological highlights. For example, in communication with your customers, but also in the field of creativity and thinking. An involved employee is many times more productive and can therefore be of much more value, even in a technological economy.

Individualism

As mentioned earlier in this blog, employees are increasingly thinking in terms of their own interests. From their own career. This results in less involvement and less loyalty towards your company. Forging a team that fights for a common goal and feels comfortable within the organization is therefore becoming increasingly important. Team atmosphere, as part of the corporate culture, is one of the only ways to partially prevent individualism within your organization.

War on talent

Due to an aging population and a shortage of technical personnel to manage all technological progress, the war on talent is back. Your employees will be irrevocably pulled from outside. In order to resist the call of money, your people must have other motivations to stay. For example, social cohesion within your team. In short, involvement is crucial for this too.

What are your experiences with increasing involvement within your organization? Do you have any tips or questions that may be relevant to others? Please let us know