Fishburn Hedges

28.04.2011

The simple answer is “yes”.

The question is the headline of an article from Helen Giles on the Human Resources website this week.

To paraphrase, the author suggests that the “engagement industry” (as she terms it) is becoming too focused on creating a happy rather than a productive workplace. The result, she feels, could be a “workforce of high maintenance namby-pambies”.

I don’t know the author at all, nor the circumstances in which she finds herself, but I would say to anyone that if this is their impression of employee engagement, then they’re doing it wrong.

Employee engagement is a management discipline. It’s a way of building stronger relationships within an organisation, so that employees at all levels, and in all areas, are enthused, equipped and eager to give their best. It’s about aligning all our efforts with the goals of the company we work for and is a real – and measurable – contributor to business success. 

Now, “fun” should be part of an engaged workplace. Life would be pretty boring if it wasn’t. But employee engagement is about far more. It involves inspiring and challenging employees to play the role expected of them: and the challenge comes from elements such as strong leadership, engaging management, clear objectives and consistent performance management. It’s not about an obsession with indices, nor simply focused on ensuring people are ‘happy’. It’s about creating and sustaining an environment in which both employer and employee thrive.  

That’s the reason why employee engagement has become such a pre-occupation for employers. It’s why the previous government commissioned the MacLeod Review, and why David Cameron has given his endorsement to a new Task Force. Effective employee engagement is recognised as a route to business success. And every company should be looking to harness it.

As I say, I don’t know the circumstances in which the author finds herself, nor the policies or practices that she has come across. But I do think her article presents a very partial picture. Employee engagement has much more to offer, for both employers and employees, and it delivers clear, compelling and tangible benefits for both.

Posted by Paul Sweetman