Not sure if employee engagement is right for your business? A recent poll by Joblist of 13,000 job seekers found that more than half of US hospitality workers are considering not returning to the industry post-pandemic. They cited their reasons as wanting higher pay, a less physically demanding workplace, and better benefits.

With staff shortages reaching alarming levels, every hospitality company wants to attract and keep the best talent. However, with budgets cut to the bone, how do employees inspire their staff, keep them happy and encourage them to stay? Here are some top employee engagement ideas:

1 Have more fun

Take a half-day on Friday to do something fun together. Social events help employees who don’t interact daily build a better sense of community. Try:

· An in-office Jeopardy competition

· Random acts of kindness

· Happy Hour Trivia

2 Encourage employees to focus on work they love

Administration is essential for any job, but being bogged down with repetitive tasks can leave employees disengaged. 

According to Atlassian, employees receive 304 emails per week. It takes about 16 minutes to refocus after handling incoming mail, which doesn’t even include the 62 hours each of your team members spends on average in meetings every month. 

Use apps and services such as Monday.com to help employees offload managerial work, slash energy-zapping meetings and free up time for more valuable activities.

Ask your employees which tasks they hate above all others. Sometimes, even one dreaded task might create the feeling of on-the-job misery. Look at the list carefully and consider how you can juggle some responsibilities to make everyone happier. One employee’s most hated task could be another’s favourite.

3 Lunch and learns

Hosted by employees, everyone can recognise team members’ expertise and learn together. Ask a team member to host the lunch based on a subject they’re passionate about and could benefit others.

4 Allow employees to move laterally

This is especially helpful for younger team members who have not yet worked out their career paths. If they find something within your resort business that they want to pursue, create a way for them to get there. 

5 Praise your co-workers

Don’t leave praise to the management team! Instead, encourage co-workers to acknowledge and congratulate each other on their achievements and success. Again, digital tools such as Bonusly can help with this.

6 Emphasise the work-life balance

Medallia’s recent survey found that the labour shortage within the hospitality sector means that:

• 61 per cent of hospitality workers have to do more with less;
• 59 per cent say their company has fewer staff members than before the pandemic; and
• 24 per cent admit they are less engaged.

The result is that staff are struggling, and the work-life balance is challenging to maintain. Blake McCammon of Blogging4Jobs, a popular blog focused on HR and the workplace, explains the role of work-life balance in employee engagement:

 “Work-life balance is one of the most important things employers can do to help employees not only stay healthy and fit but keep them engaged day by day. Provide a work-from-home scenario and flexible hours where employees with children or adults with hobbies are allowed the freedom to enjoy life to the fullest, but still get their work done.”

Find out what this balance means to each employee and see what you can do better as a business to enhance it. Often, you’ll find that a flexible work schedule will be the easiest way to help people feel more balanced between work and leisure.

7 Let staff set their own goals

Develop a system that allows team members to set their own goals. People are more likely to be motivated by a project or goal they set for themselves versus one that was set for them by their manager.

A good starting point is to allow your team to create a list of goals/projects they want to complete for the upcoming goal period.

8 Provide ongoing training

Coaching and training shouldn’t stop after the initial onboarding process. Offer optional coaching sessions to help staff improve their skills (keep them fun), offer regular training, so their knowledge base is up to date and bring in outside speakers to share their experiences.

Alternatively, start a learning club where employees select books or videos related to their role for everyone to enjoy. Then, pick a day where everyone piles into a conference room to discuss the item and its implications for your work.

9 Ditch cubicles

If your staff are returning to the office, it’s time to remove cubicles and promote comfort and collaboration with spacious offices and open desks. 

10 Hold office hours

This is believed to be one of the most effective employee engagement programs and a great way to make yourself more approachable. Allow staff members to come to your office, discuss ideas, air concerns and give feedback.

Everyone benefits from engaged and satisfied employees – customers and managers. 

• Happy employees are 37 per cent more productive and three times more creative;
• Happy employees lead to a 12 per cent increase in profitability; and
• Hotels with a positive culture experience 24 per cent less staff turnover.

So, we’d love to hear your ideas for engaging your staff members and keeping them happy, productive and within our exciting sector. Send your employee engagement ideas to us at info@quickmerlin.com.

Source: SnackNation