Have engaged employees

● Employee engagement is about more than employee satisfaction, says Thandeka Mgoduso, a judge at the first allAfrica Employee Engagement Awards.

It is defined as the “discretionary effort by staff to achieve employer success”.

Mgoduso says employees need to take personal ownership of the company’s aims, they should be enthusiastic about what they can bring to the company objectives and know that they matter to the company and that they are valued.

This can develop into a deep commitment to the organisation.

If you are not treating your employees like superstars, someone else will. Mgoduso has the following advice:

● Find ways to inspire and show appreciation. “Companies need to make a concerted effort to connect their employees to the organisation’s vision and values,” she says;

● Get employees involved in solving real problems. Ensure an open, accepting culture exists, where trying new things is encouraged and the effort recognised;

● Have effective communication;

● Encourage mature and thoughtful leadership and management styles; and

● Have reward and recognition programmes.