Why Team Engagement in the Lab is Critical

Employee engagement is a critical component of a successful and productive workplace. Gallup defines it as “the involvement and enthusiasm of employees in their work and workplace.”   Some might be wondering why there is a need to discuss engagement.  Should we not just be discussing lab automation or things of that nature? We certainly can but we are also astute enough to know that anything you want to achieve or implement, will require the buy-in of your team.  If they are not engaged and on board, your chances of success are immediately decreased.  Highly engaged employees put in more discretionary effort and they have a sense of ownership.  

Effectively, employee engagement is a competitive advantage and a reflection of your employment brand so to speak.  Research by Gallup has highlighted a number of key differences between highly engaged teams and those that are not: 

• 81% less absenteeism
• 64% less safety incidents
• 21% increase in profitability
• 43% less turnover

The above figures are median percent differences across companies in Gallup’s database.

Employee Engagement Tips

Here are some tips to help boost employee engagement:

1. Provide a clear purpose – Employees are more likely to be engaged when they understand the purpose of their work and how it contributes to the larger goals of the organization. Make sure your employees know what your company stands for and how their work fits into the bigger picture.

2. Foster a positive work environment –  A positive work environment can improve employee engagement and job satisfaction. This can be achieved through open communication, recognition and appreciation, and opportunities for collaboration and teamwork.

3. Encourage growth and development – Providing opportunities for professional growth and development can increase employee engagement. This can include training programs, mentorship opportunities, or access to online learning resources.

4. Give employees a voice – Encouraging employees to share their ideas and opinions in a safe space can increase engagement. This can be achieved through regular feedback and open forums for discussion and collaboration.

5. Recognize and reward achievement – Recognizing and rewarding employees for their achievements can increase engagement and motivation. This can include performance-based bonuses, promotions, or public recognition.

6. Provide flexibility – Offering flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting, flexible schedules, or opportunities for personal time off, can improve employee engagement and job satisfaction.

7. Foster a sense of community – Creating a sense of community in the workplace can increase engagement by promoting a sense of belonging and connectedness among employees. This can be achieved through team building activities, social events, or opportunities for volunteering and giving back.

Employee engagement is not achieved overnight.  It requires patience and time.  It is a process of constant improvement and a willingness to be open to feedback (even if you don’t like it) and the desire to make changes accordingly.  Staying the course and implementing the strategies noted, can create a more engaged and motivated team.