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employee engagement

Ways to Improve Employee Engagement

We are all guilty of zoning out at work from time to time – it’s simply human nature. However, there are certain times when keeping employees engaged proves to be an ongoing issue. The ideal employee will come to work eager and passionate about what they are doing, day in and day out – but sometimes, that flame can flicker out and engagement falls off. This can happen for a number of reasons, and everyone is bound to have an offday once in a while, but if it becomes a frequent occurrence, then whole energy of a workplace can suffer.

 

According to a recent poll, only 32% of employees in the United States feel like they are engaged at work – if you ask us, this number is far too low. Employee engagement goes hand in hand with creating a positive workplace culture, both of which significantly benefit you as an employer. So, the question is: what can you do to make sure your employees stay as enthusiastic and engaged in the workplace as possible?

 

Here are some of our tried and tested ways to keep employee engagement consistent!

 

Place a Focus on Onboard & Training

 

An easy way for employees to become disengaged is when they have no real direction or understanding of what they have been hired to do. Take time to lay the groundwork about exactly what is expected from their role, the company’s values, the workplace culture, etc. in the employee’s first couple of weeks. Rushing through the onboarding and training process will leave them in the dark. New employees are less likely to ask for help in a new environment, so it may only be just a matter of time before they begin to become disconnected from the task at hand.

 

Be clear about what is expected from them, but don’t micromanage. As a manager, it can be difficult to let go of the reigns, especially to a new employee who doesn’t yet know the company like the back of their hand. But, if they don’t have a chance to ease into the role and approach it with their own work ethic and ideas, they won’t be able to meaningfully engage with it, either.

 

Be Flexible

 

One sure-fire way to turn employees against you is to be unnecessarily rigid in your management style. Nobody wants to work for an employer who is unwavering in their rules and regulations. Flexibility in the workplace is something to be encouraged and being flexible to employee requests does not make you a pushover. On the contrary, accommodating the odd request here and there lets employees know that you value their time and well-being.

 

Allowing for some wiggle room with your employees (within reason) shouldn’t be seen as a loss of power or the beginning of an unstructured, disorganized workplace. If an employee needs a little bit more time with an assignment or needs to come in later due to an appointment, it could help reduce their stress levels and in turn, improve their quality of work and boost engagement levels.

 

employee engagement

 

Accommodate Everyone Equally

 

There are countless types of employees out there, and the chances of you having a workplace where everyone has the same work ethic are almost zero. A positive and dynamic workplace culture benefits from a diversity of learning and working styles, but they all need to be nurtured equally in order for the team to succeed.

 

For example, introverts that are forced to work in an environment that only accommodates extroverts are going to suffer, and vice versa. Some people stay engaged when they work individually, and some thrive in a group setting. Some prefer talking in person, and some get their best ideas out over email. The list goes on and on.

 

It may take some extra time and energy, but try to understand what each employee needs in order to stay engaged in the tasks at hand and feel comfortable at the office. They will appreciate you for it!

 

Celebrate & Encourage Your Employees

 

Employees like to know that they are appreciated for the work they do. Providing feedback, whether it be positive or negative, in a constructive way helps keep them on track, but also encourages them to produce better work.

 

Giving praise to employees will help them to feel like they are more than just a number, and that they are being noticed and appreciated for their work. From things as small as saying ‘thank you’ to bigger gestures, like company outings and team-building activities, showing your appreciation for your employees is absolutely vital to keeping engagement alive.

 

As the saying goes, a team is only as strong as its weakest link. Take the time to make sure everyone feels like they are a valuable team member so that your end goal doesn’t suffer.

 

Every workplace is different, and there is no guaranteed formula for improving engagement levels. Start by trying a combination of any or all of these tips! What do you do to keep your employees engaged at work? Join the conversation on LinkedIn or in the comments below.

logistics

How a Strong Logistics Team Improves Your Bottom Line

With online shopping and an expectation of quick delivery becoming the new norm, businesses need to step up in order to meet customer demands. Business owners know that in order to keep their customers happy, they must deliver exceptional customer service and an unbeatable experience.

 

So, how do you make sure this happens? You can start by looking at the logistics process of your supply chain. Your logistics team is absolutely vital to your business’s success. A combination of a fool-proof logistics process and an experienced team will help your business reach new heights and improve your customers’ overall experience.

 

What is logistics?

 

The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals defines logistics as part of the supply chain process that plans, implements and controls the efficient flow and storage of goods, services and related information. A logistics team manages these materials and information between the point of origin and point of consumption in order to meet the customer’s requirements. One of the key objectives behind logistics is that the customer receives the right product at the right time and place—all at the right quality and price.

 

Logistics and freight transport companies went on a hiring frenzy last year in May. To keep up with the skyrocketing demand in the U.S. shipping markets, they added 18,700 jobs. Now that consumers’ shopping habits have shifted towards e-commerce, companies need more workers and a logistics infrastructure that can support this demand.

 

Why should I care about logistics?

 

Your logistical process plays an important factor in your company’s profitability. While logisticians manage the movement of materials and goods, they’re also responsible for identifying any potential areas of improvement. They understand how to move products better, at a lower cost, as well as solve problems quickly and creatively as they arise.

 

With so much choice available on the market, when you fail to meet your customer’s demands, they will quickly turn to your competitors. Customers want high quality products at the right price, but they also expect quality customer service from start to finish. Regardless of whether your customers are purchasing your products online or offline, your products and delivered experience need to meet your customer’s expectations. When you have a professional and experienced logistics team on hand, you can feel assured that they will help you achieve these critical business objectives.

 

logistics

 

How a great logistics team improves your business

 

It’s five times more expensive to acquire a new customer than it is to retain an existing customer. By increasing your customer retention rates by just 5%, you can increase your profits by 25 to 95%. Considering this, customer retention should be at the top of your priority list. If you consistently deliver the quality products and service that your customers know and love, they are more likely to stay loyal to you.

Let’s take online orders as an example. Customers like the convenience of being able to track their orders and receiving up-to-date alerts about them. If there are any delays due to weather or unforeseen events, customers appreciate being kept in the know. Your logistics team should have access to this type of information, which can make all the difference in the customer’s experience. When you keep your customers in the loop by offering special services and promotions, it is an easy way to strengthen your customer’s loyalty to you.

Lastly, logistics professionals develop partnerships with suppliers and secure competitive rates for materials and services. They identify and implement processes that are more efficient and strive to reduce business costs. They do all of this while still delivering quality products and services to customers – we can’t think of a reason to not want an amazing logistics team by your side.


What qualities should I look for in candidates for logistics jobs?

 

With so many changing and moving parts in this line of work, you need people with the right qualities and skills on your logistics team. When interviewing candidates for this role, take note of the qualities and skills listed below:

 

  • Managerial skills
  • Teamwork and collaboration skills
  • Strong time management skills
  • Strong problem solving and decision-making skills
  • Negotiation skills
  • IT skills to manage electronic data
  • Logical and organized approach to work (especially)

 

When operating a business, we know that finding the best people to hire can be challenging and time-consuming. Get in touch with us today if you need help! As well as knowing the right qualities required to build a powerhouse team, we also understand what candidates want from their employers, and can help find the perfect match.

 

Contact us today to find and hire quality candidates

 

At LPC Personnel, we specialize in finding top talent within the logistics industry. We’ve been doing this for over 30 years, so it is safe to say we understand your business needs and the type of talent you’re looking for. Contact us today so we can help you find your ideal candidate.