In today’s HR Pulse, gain insight into how:

• Enhancing the employee experience through focused initiatives in recognition, collaboration, and well-being can improve retention.

• Utilizing digital and mobile-first strategies can significantly boost employee engagement with benefits.

• Relying solely on digital engagement tools may miss critical opportunities for true employee connection and feedback.

These articles are penned by members of Forbes Human Resources Council, a community of successful human resources leaders on a mission to inspire.

Let’s dive in!

Three Ways to Elevate Employee Experience for Better Retention

Creating a positive employee experience is pivotal in attracting and retaining talent, as evidenced by a SHRM survey that found satisfied employees are 68% less likely to leave their jobs.

Zebra Technologies is a global company that provides innovative solutions for businesses to improve their operational efficiency and visibility. Their CPO gives his insight into how a company should focus on recognition, collaboration, and well-being, which is crucial in enhancing the workplace environment.

Here's how to successfully foster a culture where employees feel valued and engaged:

🌟 Emphasize Recognition

• Recognizing employee contributions boosts morale and loyalty. Zebra’s GEM program allows for both peer and managerial recognition, enhancing our culture of appreciation.

• Regular celebrations of success set the stage for ongoing achievement and a culture of recognition.

🤝 Cultivate Collaboration

• Encouraging feedback and interaction across departments has improved our understanding and enhanced teamwork. Our approach to cross-functional collaboration fosters better outcomes and employee satisfaction.

• Drawing from diverse perspectives within the team helps address broader organizational needs and supports community engagement.

🍃 Work Toward Sustainable Well-Being

• Addressing employee well-being holistically, Zebra has implemented initiatives like manager toolkits and an annual well-being day off. Increased program visibility has boosted participation and retention.

• By focusing on both employee and managerial well-being, we foster a trusting, supportive work environment.

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Boosting Employee Engagement with Digital Benefits Communication

In an era when employees are overwhelmed by work and personal responsibilities, it is challenging for HR leaders to ensure they understand and engage with their benefits packages.

A Gallup study shows that engagement dramatically enhances job satisfaction, yet global disengagement costs the economy significantly.

Here's how digital communications can be the game-changer in enhancing benefits engagement:

📱 Reach Employees on Their Turf

• With 97% of Americans owning smartphones, mobile-first strategies are essential. Implementing apps for easy benefits access and utilizing push notifications can keep employees informed and engaged.

• Digital channels simplify interactions, make benefits information readily accessible, and ensure that important deadlines like open enrollment are communicated effectively.

🔧 Customize Your Communication

• Avoid a one-size-fits-all approach; tailor communications to meet your employees' diverse needs and preferences. Personalization is key to driving engagement.

• Leverage channels and styles depending on the message, whether emails, texts, or notifications, to optimize reception and interaction.

HR can significantly increase employee engagement with benefits by integrating a dynamic digital strategy that respects individual preferences and promotes easy access. This strategic approach informs and empowers employees, leading to a healthier, more connected workforce.

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Rethinking the Hype Around Digital Employee Engagement Tools

Employee engagement is at an 11-year low despite the market growth for engagement solutions. This raises questions about the efficacy of digital tools in fostering genuine employee engagement.

Here’s a critical look at why prioritizing human interaction might be more beneficial than depending solely on digital tools:

🤖 Initial Impressions Matter: Automated hiring processes often overlook potential top talent due to reliance on keyword scanning, which can miss the nuances of a candidate’s experience. Personal interaction during the hiring process sets a positive tone and shows candidates they are valued.

🗣 Authentic Feedback is Crucial: Digital surveys that gauge employee sentiment can sometimes feel insincere or insecure, potentially leading to generic or dishonest responses. Direct conversations can provide more genuine insights into employee satisfaction and concerns.

👥 Automated Reviews Can Miss the Mark: Performance reviews conducted via automated systems may fail to capture important feedback, making employees feel undervalued. Personalized reviews foster a more meaningful exchange, showing employees that their contributions are recognized and valued.

🏅 Personal Recognition Over Digital Badges: Digital recognition platforms, while efficient, can lack the personal touch that truly motivates employees. Personal acknowledgments, even small gestures like high fives, can significantly boost morale and loyalty.

🔗 True Connection Beats Efficiency: While digital tools offer convenience and time savings, they should not replace the human connections that form the foundation of a strong company culture. Effective engagement strategies should integrate digital tools without undermining the essential personal interactions that drive employee satisfaction.

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Wrapping Up

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