The most successful cleaning operations all have a few common traits. Chief among those is their ability to maintain high levels of employee engagement throughout their entire organization. It is not enough merely to hire good employees. It is equally important to proactively do those things that will keep your employees actively engaged in their roles within your operation.
What are some of the ways in which you can promote employee engagement within your cleaning operation? A few proven approaches for you to consider....
Keep Your Employees Informed
Engaged employees are informed employees. To the extent possible keep your employees updated on what's happening within the company. Give them some insights into the objectives and visions you have for the organization and show them how their work will be contributing to the realization of those objectives.
Provide your employees with appropriate levels of information as to how the company is doing and what the prospects are for the future. Try to minimize the keeping of secrets. Employees that are uncertain about their future are unlikely to be fully engaged.
Provide a Path for Growth
Many of your most highly skilled employees will want to see a path for growth within your organization. Provide that path by giving them honest and objective information that lets them know what it will take to grow within your cleaning operation.
Give them evidence that demonstrates that with hard work, dedication, the acquiring of certain skills, formal education, etc. they will have the opportunity for growth and advancement. Make sure that they are aware of others in your organization that have successfully advanced in title and/or responsibility.
Reward Good Work
We all, regardless of title or position, want to be recognized for our work; a very basic human need that can often be lost in the hustle and bustle of trying to manage an operation. Nothing will zap employee engagement faster than neglect.
A formal "Employee Recognition Plan", when properly administered, can pay great dividends for the employees and the organization as a whole. A "Plan" that formally recognizes individuals for exemplary performance and contributions.
Your recognition can come in a variety of forms: public acknowledgement, plagues, certificates, small monetary gifts, etc. Make sure that the recognition comes in a form that is personal and sincere. Having a personal touch in your employee recognition program will mean as much, or more, than any small award that you may bestow.
Employee engagement is a mission-critical objective for any cleaning operation. Employees that are properly engaged and motivated not only perform at higher levels but are also more loyal and more committed. Paying attention to the basic tenants listed above can help you retain those employees that you value the most.