Working with HR can create more productive and engaged employees
As a building products CMO, you’ve no doubt crossed paths with HR, but how closely do you work with them on messaging to your employees? HR continues to evolve into a more strategic role as they focus on talent attraction, engagement and retention and they can be your greatest advocate and help create a stronger company built on a foundation of productive and engaged employees. How do you achieve this? The first step is to pair your strengths at brand messaging with HR’s perspective and expertise on your workforce. Here are 5 steps for working with HR to create a stronger workforce:
1. Gauge employee engagement
- The first step in creating more engaged employees is to see where they stand now. Begin with research to get a pulse on your workforce. Send out an online survey to see where your employees stand and how they feel about your building products organization. Even this step shows your employees that your organization cares about them and is working to make improvements.
Regular employee feedback is key to understanding engagement levels over time. Surveys and feedback sessions help reveal areas that need attention and allow for early intervention.
By staying attuned to employee sentiments, you can adjust strategies to meet changing needs and foster a more inclusive work environment.
2. Create an employer brand
- Use what you learn from the employee engagement survey to create a brand that your employees can connect to, while also furthering leadership’s vision for the future. A brand workshop using the data you receive and a few select executives is a great way to establish the right brand for your organization.
3. Work with HR to align employees with company goals
- Create a plan to bring the brand to life. Host employee meetings, send out emails, hang break room posters, send a direct mail piece to your employees homes – whatever it takes to let them know that you are listening and value them.
Leadership plays a significant role in driving engagement. When leaders actively participate, they set an example, encouraging employees to share ideas openly.
Involvement from the top fosters trust and builds a more committed workforce.
4. Communicate, communicate, communicate
- Once the brand has been developed and communicated, develop a strategic communication plan to build employee engagement. This should include ongoing communication like newsletters, videos, emails and other consistent touchpoints.
A flexible communication strategy helps in reaching employees effectively. Use multiple ways like video messages, emails, and social media to cater to different preferences.
This approach ensures messages are timely and relevant as the workplace changes.
5. Test your progress
- In order to see if your efforts are paying off, send out an employee engagement survey each year. While a lot of factors play into employee satisfaction, a consistent communication campaign can make a big difference over time.
Committing to a plan to strengthen your workforce ultimately strengthens your company. Engaged employees are more productive, more efficient and more likely to bring fresh, new ideas to your organization. They are more likely to over-deliver and your customers are more likely to come back again. So, what are you waiting for?
