In this episode of "Stop Doing Stupid Stuff," Andreas Wieman and Seth McCulloch dove straight into the evolution of employee engagement strategies. They explored how real-time feedback, also called “managing in the moment” and continuous communication can transform traditional workplace dynamics, making the process more interactive and impactful.
Key Points Discussed
Real-Time Feedback and Employee Engagement:
Seth: Emphasized how real-time feedback not only addresses immediate issues but also significantly enhances employee morale and retention by showing that the company cares about their individual experiences and well-being.
Andreas: Discussed the practical application of real-time feedback in improving service quality and employee accountability in customer-facing roles.
Impact of Employee Engagement on Business Outcomes:
Seth: Highlighted the direct connection between engaged employees and improved customer experiences, which ultimately drive revenue and profit.
Andreas: Pointed out how engaged employees are more likely to contribute positively to the company's environment, reducing turnover and fostering a more productive workplace.
Important Takeaways
Importance of Continuous Engagement:
Seth: Stressed the need for ongoing engagement rather than periodic surveys, noting that continuous feedback helps to build a more responsive and adaptive business environment.
Andreas: Illustrated how constant engagement leads to better business decisions and enhances employee satisfaction by making them feel valued and heard.
Technological Tools for Engagement:
Seth: Discussed how tools like Balance Wise IQ facilitate regular check-ins with employees, allowing for a pulse on the organizational health and employee sentiment, which can be crucial for immediate adjustments and long-term planning.
Andreas: Advocated for the use of technology to democratize feedback, giving employees at all levels a voice, thereby enhancing the overall company culture and operational efficiency
Strategic Integration of Employee Feedback into Business Operations:
Seth: Talked about how employee feedback should be strategically used not just for assessing satisfaction but for guiding corporate strategies and improving customer interactions.
Andreas: Emphasized the importance of integrating feedback into the broader business strategy to ensure that employees feel their contributions directly impact the company's direction and success.
Power Quotes
Seth McCulloch:
"A lot of companies over time have focused on customer experience to drive revenue. The overlooked part is who's delivering that customer experience—the employee. Employees are crucial because they are delivering the customer experience that drives revenues and profits for companies."
"We don’t just do surveys; we do a pulse check on the employees' health, well-being, and what challenges they’re facing, whether it's something as serious as a family illness or as simple as a bad day, which all impact their work."
"And that's what you want to avoid—a snowball effect where issues continue to self-propagate in a negative way, leading to lost revenue and customers. That's why focusing on employee engagement in tandem with customer experience is so crucial; they truly go hand-in-hand.”
"Currently, in the United States, about 47% of employees change jobs within a year, which not only indicates high turnover but also imposes significant costs on companies. Whether surveys are conducted every six months, annually, or every 18 months, by the time the data is collected and actions are initiated, it's often too late to respond effectively. We miss the opportunity to manage situations as they arise, or as we say, 'manage in the moment'
Andreas Wieman:
"If you explain to a waiter, for example, how giving good service leads to more customers, which secures their job, they start to see things from a different perspective. It's about changing how they view their role and its impact on the business."
"With Balance Wise IQ, we've seen really good adoption rates because it's not just another annual survey that HR has to push for completion. It’s a voluntary system where employees actively participate, which gives us genuine insights into their engagement and morale."
"You know, if we engage with our employees as frequently as we survey our customers about products and services, it changes the dynamic. Asking employees for their input and actually acting on it not only builds trust but significantly enhances their engagement and job satisfaction."
" I'm aware that many companies conduct an employee survey annually. Now, why would there be a need for more frequent feedback when you're already collecting it once a year? Employees show up every scheduled day, hopefully. You gather their feedback annually, and then, the following month, when you receive the results, you meet with them to discuss potential changes. However, by the time the next survey rolls around a year later, it often feels like a repetitive cycle."
Action Items
Implement and Regularly Update Real-Time Feedback Mechanisms:
Setup: Integrate tools like Balance Wise IQ to facilitate real-time feedback and response. Establish regular, structured check-ins (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly) to maintain continuous engagement and monitor the pulse of employee sentiment.
Action: Use feedback gathered during these sessions to make immediate adjustments and recognize contributions, ensuring employees see the direct impact of their input on organizational changes.
Foster a Culture of Transparency and Strategic Integration:
Setup: Develop clear channels for feedback to influence strategic planning, ensuring that employee insights are incorporated into broader business objectives and operational strategies.
Action: Promote transparency by regularly communicating how employee feedback has shaped decisions. Celebrate and recognize individuals and teams whose ideas lead to meaningful improvements, enhancing overall company culture and employee satisfaction
Wrap Up
If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more about transforming your employee engagement strategies, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions on making your workplace more dynamic and connected.
Get Your Copy of SDSS:
We strongly advise getting a copy of Tim and Andreas' book, "Stop Doing Stupid Stuff," for those who feel motivated by today's discussion and want to learn more about these transformative concepts.
Available on Amazon,SDSS promises to be your guide to fostering a smarter, more value-driven work and business environment.
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