With the 2009 JRA Best Workplaces Survey now under way, much interest will centre on the impact recession is having on employee engagement levels. According to JRA's Leighton Abbot, it would be surprising if we didn't see some change.
"The uncertainty we are experiencing at the moment is making things tough and the feedback we're getting is that organisations are working hard to maintain staff morale and motivation," he said. "But we're also seeing the upside _ managers really focusing on the things our research shows are the enduring elements of great workplaces and the things that drive employee engagement.' Abbot refers to JRA's Anatomy of a Great Workplace _ a four-pillar model based on analysis of survey finalists over the past 10 years. Clarity of purpose, a sense of community, employee development and a culture of performance came through as ``enduring elements'.
"While we expect to see some changes in survey scores, we're not necessarily anticipating major changes in the things that have traditionally driven people's sense of engagement or the way organisations set about meeting these needs' he said. ``One thing that's always been important for people is a sense of belief in what their organisation is trying to accomplish."
An organisation needed to be clear about its purpose, its points of difference and its strategies to compete in the marketplace, he said.
"It's about showing leadership and it's something employees are really looking for right now.' Another of the "key drivers" of engagement is a sense of belonging. "We expect this will be a biggie in 2009," said Abbot. "With the uncertainty of restructure and in some cases unavoidable redundancy, this sense of community can suffer."
But an organisation could still be a good place to work in the midst of restructuring. "Great workplaces manage these processes well, with honest and open communication, compassion, and in a way that is respectful to all involved. "This is what preserves trust and keeps the workplace community together."
The JRA Best Workplaces Survey in association with the Herald, and sponsored by HainesAttract and the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, runs until August 31.
Already more than 110 organisation are taking part.
Rules of employee engagement hold true in tough times
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