Top tips to encourage greater engagement
It’s a fact that employee engagement plays a real role in business performance and leads to a more enjoyable work life.
Bruce Turner, Director of Central Portfolio Management for NZMP, has achieved the highest engagement score for caring about his team in Fonterra’s recent annual employee survey.
Bruce shares his ideas on the things businesses and managers can do to encourage greater engagement.
1. All team members should know what’s expected of them and how their role links to the company strategy
Some people can see this link easily but for others it’s not so clear says Bruce, so our team ensured this was mapped out for every person. Each team then developed a plan on a page to show how their objectives fitted into both the team strategy and the business strategy.
2. Focus on staff development
People want an opportunity to advance their career and it’s important to acknowledge that, says Bruce, although it can be challenging in a flat structure.
To overcome that challenge, Bruce set up virtual cross functional teams based on product portfolios.
These teams create leadership opportunities for people who otherwise may not have the chance to develop these skills.
3. Be accessible
At Fonterra we have open plan work stations so accessibility isn’t a big problem, says Bruce, but knowing where someone is sitting can sometimes be a challenge.
That’s why every morning Bruce can be found working at the kitchen bench on his floor so his team can easily find him and stop for a chat.
4. Empower your team
Bruce set up a team of six people to embrace the engagement challenge. With a clear idea of what the team wanted to achieve, they took charge of making it happen and report on progress every month. The team is responsible for:
- Recognising the little things people do as well as the big things.
- Welcoming ideas and feedback on better ways to do things.
- Quarterly team activities to bring everyone together.
*NZMP (New Zealand Milk Products) is Fonterra's dairy ingredients and solutions brand.