Employee Activation: Redefining The Employee Survey
Jan 12, 2024
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Discover the revolutionary concept of Employee Activation, essential for navigating today's labor market challenges. Learn how to enhance company growth by actively involving employees in decision-making. Explore the shift from conventional engagement surveys to empowering feedback-driven actions. Uncover the vital role of collaboration in improving retention, especially in the context of AI advancements. Plus, intriguing discussions on the future of DEI and the critical need for companies to adapt amid ongoing labor shortages.
Employee Activation represents a shift from mere engagement to empowering employees and managers to co-create solutions that address workforce needs.
In the face of labor shortages, companies must prioritize employee voices and innovative input systems to drive organizational growth and reduce turnover.
Deep dives
Understanding Employee Activation
Employee activation is emerging as a crucial theme in the current labor market, characterized by a significant shortage of workers. This shortage stems from demographic shifts, the pandemic, and evolving workplace dynamics, leading many employees to possess multiple job offers at any given time. As a result, companies can no longer rely purely on hiring as a growth strategy; instead, they must engage and activate their existing workforce. Employees are increasingly vocal about their needs and expectations, emphasizing the importance of having their voices heard to drive positive change within their organizations.
Empowerment Over Engagement
The traditional approach of relying solely on employee engagement surveys is becoming outdated, as they often fail to capture the nuanced needs of a diverse workforce. Instead, employee activation focuses on empowering managers and team leaders to respond meaningfully to employee feedback and suggestions. Companies are encouraged to adopt systems that facilitate employee input, such as crowdsourcing platforms that allow staff to share ideas and vote on improvements. By fostering an environment of trust and autonomy, organizations can benefit from innovative solutions that arise from the employees closest to the day-to-day operations.
The Impact of AI and Co-Design
The integration of artificial intelligence within companies presents both challenges and opportunities, especially in terms of reshaping employee roles and responsibilities. With the potential for significant changes, employees are eager to participate in co-designing solutions that enhance their work experiences and job satisfaction. Engaging employees in this process not only mitigates dissatisfaction and turnover but also fosters a sense of ownership and connection to the company. As organizations move forward, prioritizing employee activation in conjunction with emerging technologies will be paramount for creating a resilient and dedicated workforce.
This week I introduce a big idea: Employee Activation. This idea, which comes from important work we’re doing with Medallia, shows you how to move “beyond engagement” to a whole new world of employee listening and action-taking based on feedback.
In the new world of labor shortages, high turnover, unions, and general employee stress, Employee Activation might be the big answer.
Here’s a definition:
“Employee Activation means designing the company so that managers, line executives, and employees can adjust, change, and redesign work around worker’s needs, suggestions, and demands.”
(This week’s podcast was recorded on a walk, so I apologize for some of the “animal sounds” in the background)