Feature
If you attended yesterday's #SocBizChat about employee engagement, you know it was a lively event. There was much debate about what employee engagement is, what it entails, what makes it work, how to measure it and what can keep it from flourishing.
For some, defining it was easy, almost obvious; others were challenged to turn employee engagement into something tangible. Let's take a closer look at developed during the hour-long chat.
One of the signs of a successful Twitter chat is the amount of spam that shows up in the feed -- and boy did they! For your convenience, we removed the questionable content that flooded the stream.
What Is Employee Engagement?
There were many interesting and insightful definitions of employee engagement. Most of the definitions however, mentioned intangible characteristics that describe an employee who could be considered engaged. They are passionate, connected, empowered, involved, motivated, enthusiastic, present and excited. At the most basic level, engaged employees have a significant intrinsic motivation. They aren't after fame and fortune in its purest form. Rather, they want to contribute to something important. Being engaged is about being human, real and authentic.
While it's very interesting to understand the intrinsic drivers of the engaged employee, if you're a company that seriously wants to inspire more engagement at work, these definitions don't simplify the process. How do you measure whether or not someone is passionate or excited about something? For the most part, defining employee engagement is like pornography -- you know it when you see it.
[View the story "Q1. How do you define employee engagement & what are 3 behaviors of an engaged employee?" on Storify]Q1. How do you define employee engagement & what are 3 behaviors of an engaged employee?
Storified by CMSWire.com· Thu, Mar 28 2013 06:49:47
1. Engagement is robust connection to results, relationships, organization, performance and other elements of engagement. #socbizchatDavid Zinger
Engagement of any sort is making a connection that sticks. The goal is commitment. Is is not different for employees. #socbizchatTom Petrocelli
Q1:Employee engagement is the quality of the employee/org relationship, often supported by a programatic strategy #socbizchatMegan Murray
A1: Employee Engagement = behavior that occurs after you've stopped asking for attention - #socbizchatRyan Rutan
Q1 Engagement is your emotional connection that is created by exceptional experiences: integrated, interactive and identifying. #socbizchatsandy carter
1. •Engagement = “mentally present” at work performing for the sake of performance (not entirely from external reasons) #socbizchatjen oneil
engaged employee is someone who feels connected to and passionate about the people they work with and the company they work for #socbizchatJacob Morgan
Q1. The Hallmark of engaged employees: work is what they want to do, not just a place they go #SocBizChatbillycripe
Q1: Focused, participatory, productive, willing to bring their best and put their heart in the work #socbizchatMegan Murray
Q1 Engaged employees are collaborative, empowered and innovative – regardless of their department or level. #socbizchatsandy carter
Q1 engaged employees think what the company does is just as cool as the founder thinks it is #socbizchatChristina Bang
Q1 Engaged employees are focused on customers, more productive, and most of all stick around. #socbizchatTom Petrocelli
Q1 I like Net Promoter Score - would the employee be willing to refer their friends to come work for your company? #socbizchatRajat Paharia
Q1: Engaged means I"m always thinking of how to do it better, and I like coming to work! #socbizchatBarb Mosher Zinck
A1: Behavior 1 = Responsive - reacting fast because they are aware! = #socbizchatRyan Rutan
@cmswire Q1 Employee engagement is the capacity of the employee to identify with the company #socbizchatQuandora
Q1 @DaleCarnegie Engaged employees are Involved, Entusiastic and Empowered #socbizchatHeather Gossard
A1: Behavior 2 = Proactive - looking ahead because they are informed! = #socbizchatRyan Rutan
Q1 - Engaged ee's are: productive, motivated, and knowledgeable about the company (goals, objectives, products, strengths, …) #SocBizChatCathy McKnight
Q1 My friend @jaysonsaba from Ceridian says his favorite definition is Engagement = discretionary effort #SocBizChatHyoun Park
@hyounpark I like that term "discretionary effort ". It suggests intrinsic motivation. #socbizchatTom Petrocelli
I define employee engagement: how passionate are you about what you do?#socbizchatScott Date
A1: Behavior 3 = Resourceful - doing more with less because they are empowered w/the right tools! = #socbizchatRyan Rutan
Q1. behaviors include EEs working with passion, intrinsic motivation drives them, they seek autonomy in applying creativity #SocBizChatRachel Moussa
Q1 I also think the "loyalty" lens is a good one. How likely are they to stay with you in the event of a competitive offer? #socbizchatRajat Paharia
1. A outcome of effective people and organisational management. An element of human capital and organisational capability #socbizchatJon Ingham
Q1 Engagement = Freedom to be me! #socbizchatsandy carter
RE @sandy_carter > nicely said: Q1 Engaged employees are collaborative, empowered & innovative –regardless of dept or level. #socbizchatAvanade Inc.
@sandy_carter I would say the engaged workplace is where I can be me & being me helps the workplace achieve their goals. #SocBizChatbillycripe
#socbizchat q1: willingness to share with others and collaborate to get the job done!Michael Brown
Q1: Engaged employees are focused, collaborative, and voluntarily help the company out #SocBizChatHyoun Park
Q1 employee engagement is when your team believes in your mission and serves as ambassadords - they amplifiy it #socbizchatChristina Bang
Q1: looking at "busy metrics" is not a sign of engagement, that can be the affect of being engaged but it's not the cause #socbizchatJacob Morgan
Q1: 3 behaviors ... one is Contributing organizational content, ideas and feedback #socbizchatjen oneil
A1: employee engagement is a deep emotional commitment to organizational goals #SocBizChatMaria Ogneva
Q1. Engaged employees feel that they are part of a team unit, and that they are empowered to play an important role. #socbizchatTraining Station
Q1 Engaged employees are invested in success #socbizchatDaniel Tucker
Q1 Employees are the competitive differentiator in the market. engaged = motivated = innovative = productivity #socbizchatShane Closser
A lot of good definitions. For me some are unnecessarily tight. An organisation should decide what form of engagement it needs. #socbizchatJon Ingham
@joningham Two themes emerging - connectedness and productivity. Add happiness/passion and you have engagement. #socbizchatTom Petrocelli
@sandy_carter Hi Sandy. Because sometimes it might be one thing, other times another. It depends. Strategy, context etc. #socbizchatJon Ingham
@hyounpark Q1. There needs to be balance. But desire is more important. The Why of Work. #socbizchatTom Petrocelli
Q1: 3 behaviors ... second is Helping team & other BU’s / depts (Q&A) beyond your daily role #socbizchatjen oneil
Q1 EE engagement is about inclusion and contribution. Making sure ee's know how they, specifically, contribute to org's success. #SocBizChatCathy McKnight
Q1 engaged employees live, breathe and embody the company culture; they don't delegate but instead collaborate #socbizchatChristina Bang
Q1: 3 behaviors: belief, see big picture, desire to improve #socbizchatScott Date
@cmswire Q1. Engaged employees are happier, inspired, connected, knowledgable, and aligned to business objectives... #socbizchatMarius Botha
Q1 Behaviours: speaks proudly of his company, feels concerned by any company issue, works outside office hours #socbizchatQuandora
Q1 Engagement means employees continually evaluate their perf & value add; driven to improve @hyounpark "the discretionary efft" #SocBizChatRachel Moussa
Q1: EE Engagement = A willingness to contribute to a company’s success; take on new challenges & responsibilities. #SocBizChatCathy McKnight
A1: Engaged employees are deeply passionate, which helps them go further, do more, use discretionary effort, constantly improve #SocBizChatMaria Ogneva
Q1: Is not all effort discretionary? We can choose to work or not work. #socbizchatDavid Zinger
@davidzinger Q1 discretionary is the above & beyond our R&Rs - part of what we measure in employee engagement #SocBizChatRachel Moussa
@davidzinger Q1 The amount of effort one chooses to give to work can vary immensely. Give nothing and you get fired #SocBizChatHyoun Park
@MeganMurray @davidzinger I don't think all effort is discretionary. Doing just enough to not get fired vs. going the extra mile #SocBizChatMaria Ogneva
@themaria It's a deep issue at many orgs. Pervasive even. @davidzinger #socbizchatMegan Murray
Ie if engagement is going to support competitive advantage, which it should, the behaviours have to be specific to that business #socbizchatJon Ingham
Q1 engaged employee behavior: takes pride in even small tasks and always uses WE instead of They or The Company #socbizchatChristina Bang
Q1: engaged employees: high performance in current job, volunteering on other projects, socially active at work #socbizchatBill Cushard
Q1: 3 behaviors ... third is demonstrated passion #notafraid .. #socbizchatjen oneil
A1: Engaged employees are more committed and able to solve deep problems collaboratively, they are brand advocates, team players #SocBizChatMaria Ogneva
How about engaged managers and leaders. They are employees too. No? What's their role? #socbizchatMegan Murray
@smg_Siobhan @MeganMurray engagement goes n more than 1 direction and it feeds all their needed ways. yet leaders must b models #socbizchatTraining Station
Engaged employees are open, interested, and fearless. #socbizchatVala Afshar
Q1: Who has great engaged employees today? #socbizchatsandy carter
@sandy_carter Companies with a lot of autonomy - W.L. Gore, Valve Software #socbizchatRajat Paharia
Q1: employee engagement is all about collaboration for the greater good of the biz #socbizchatAvanade Inc.
Q1 Engaged employees are both givers and receivers of the attention and appreciation needed. Also constructive criticism. #socbizchatTraining Station
Q1: Engaged employees say, "I'll do that!" Without hesitation. #socbizchatBill Cushard
Different organizations have different ways they define engagement, we can see the many definitions here #socbizchatJacob Morgan
Q1:Engaged employees are research and results-oriented, strategic, and excel working with all levels of the company #SocBizChatJill Tempelmeyer
Q1 An engaged employee also has initiatives (team building, deploying internal tools, increasing productivity, training...) #socbizchatQuandora
A1 Engagement is when the employee looks fwd to Monday morning and every work day. Ready to contribute, share, and be present. #socbizchatConnie Chan
A1. Engaged equals more WE than ME, far less US vs THEM #socbizchatDan Keldsen
Are we "driving" employees again? #socbizchatMegan Murray
@MeganMurray Only if employees drive their own car I hope. #socbizchatDavid Zinger
Q1. They have an increased in productivity, are more excited, and enjoy coming to work. #socbizchat #socbizchatBloomfire
Q1: Characteristics = they care - feel like meaningful company mission, pride in work and team #socbizchatRajat Paharia
Q1: engaged employees are encouraged to be open and be themselves #socbizchatDaniel Tucker
#socbizchat q1 for me it's about being "connected". To the task at hand and resources that will help get 'er done!Michael Brown
It's amazing that we even get to have this conversation! So much opportunity to find an engaging workplace! #SocBizChatbillycripe
Q1: Engaged employees have an emotional connection to the people, products, brand, company, customers. #socbizchatRich Blank
Q1 At @quantumwork, we define engagement with 3 key anchors: advocacy, discretionary effort, and intent to stay. #socbizchatQuantum Workplace
Q1 Engaged employees "get it" and are also "gotten". #socbizchatTraining Station
Q1 Essential to an engaged employee is the right culture, regardless of how you define engagement. #socbiz #socbizchatsandy carter
no involvement = no commitment... engagement can start with 4 words: what do you think? #socbizchatVala Afshar
@ValaAfshar I like the simplicity of that - you always do have a way with words. (plucking your book off of the shelf behind me) #socbizchatDan Keldsen
Q1: employee #engagement = being motivated to hit goals needed to drive co success but feeling control over that success is key #SocBizChatBadgeville
A1. Empowered, responsible, internally driven, rather than being driven - up, down and sideways in the foodchain #socbizchatDan Keldsen
Engaged employees drive the value of the network more quickly than value would grow based on Metcalfe's Law #socbizchatDavid Coleman
Employee engagement is when you have the right level of two way connect and communication between the employee and employer! #socbizchatNikhil Nulkar
Q1: engagement is believing you are part of something bigger than yourself, and caring about that bigger thing #socbizchat #socbizchatdebbie_landers
Q1- Debbi_Landers great definition for engagement! #socbizchatDavid Coleman
A1: engaged employees see collaboration as a "Mindset", not an "Event". #socbizchatThomas Anger
a1: we get to chose every day how to spend our time. #socbizchatal dampier, dph
Why We Need Engaged Employees
While it may be difficulty to agree on the specific characteristics of an engaged employee, no one will deny that engaged employees are needed. You can argue that not all jobs require or need you to be engaged at every level. Sometimes a widget maker is just a widget maker. Yet, even widget makers want to feel as if they are contributing to something significant. Additionally, companies have a responsibility to ensure that their widget makers are happy enough so they don't leave -- not because they have a need to please, but because happy widget makers mean less attrition, which means fewer costs.
But, engaged employees mean more than just fewer turnovers -- it's about spearheading innovation, building community and creating effective collaboration. According to the Tweet Jam participants, companies are not just about budgets and bottom lines -- it's about the people. When companies focus on people first, success follows.
[View the story "Q1. How do you define employee engagement & what are 3 behaviors of an engaged employee?" on Storify]Q1. How do you define employee engagement & what are 3 behaviors of an engaged employee?
Storified by CMSWire.com· Thu, Mar 28 2013 06:49:47
1. Engagement is robust connection to results, relationships, organization, performance and other elements of engagement. #socbizchatDavid Zinger
Engagement of any sort is making a connection that sticks. The goal is commitment. Is is not different for employees. #socbizchatTom Petrocelli
Q1:Employee engagement is the quality of the employee/org relationship, often supported by a programatic strategy #socbizchatMegan Murray
A1: Employee Engagement = behavior that occurs after you've stopped asking for attention - #socbizchatRyan Rutan
Q1 Engagement is your emotional connection that is created by exceptional experiences: integrated, interactive and identifying. #socbizchatsandy carter
1. •Engagement = “mentally present” at work performing for the sake of performance (not entirely from external reasons) #socbizchatjen oneil
engaged employee is someone who feels connected to and passionate about the people they work with and the company they work for #socbizchatJacob Morgan
Q1. The Hallmark of engaged employees: work is what they want to do, not just a place they go #SocBizChatbillycripe
Q1: Focused, participatory, productive, willing to bring their best and put their heart in the work #socbizchatMegan Murray
Q1 Engaged employees are collaborative, empowered and innovative – regardless of their department or level. #socbizchatsandy carter
Q1 engaged employees think what the company does is just as cool as the founder thinks it is #socbizchatChristina Bang
Q1 Engaged employees are focused on customers, more productive, and most of all stick around. #socbizchatTom Petrocelli
Q1 I like Net Promoter Score - would the employee be willing to refer their friends to come work for your company? #socbizchatRajat Paharia
Q1: Engaged means I"m always thinking of how to do it better, and I like coming to work! #socbizchatBarb Mosher Zinck
A1: Behavior 1 = Responsive - reacting fast because they are aware! = #socbizchatRyan Rutan
@cmswire Q1 Employee engagement is the capacity of the employee to identify with the company #socbizchatQuandora
Q1 @DaleCarnegie Engaged employees are Involved, Entusiastic and Empowered #socbizchatHeather Gossard
A1: Behavior 2 = Proactive - looking ahead because they are informed! = #socbizchatRyan Rutan
Q1 - Engaged ee's are: productive, motivated, and knowledgeable about the company (goals, objectives, products, strengths, …) #SocBizChatCathy McKnight
Q1 My friend @jaysonsaba from Ceridian says his favorite definition is Engagement = discretionary effort #SocBizChatHyoun Park
@hyounpark I like that term "discretionary effort ". It suggests intrinsic motivation. #socbizchatTom Petrocelli
I define employee engagement: how passionate are you about what you do?#socbizchatScott Date
A1: Behavior 3 = Resourceful - doing more with less because they are empowered w/the right tools! = #socbizchatRyan Rutan
Q1. behaviors include EEs working with passion, intrinsic motivation drives them, they seek autonomy in applying creativity #SocBizChatRachel Moussa
Q1 I also think the "loyalty" lens is a good one. How likely are they to stay with you in the event of a competitive offer? #socbizchatRajat Paharia
1. A outcome of effective people and organisational management. An element of human capital and organisational capability #socbizchatJon Ingham
Q1 Engagement = Freedom to be me! #socbizchatsandy carter
RE @sandy_carter > nicely said: Q1 Engaged employees are collaborative, empowered & innovative –regardless of dept or level. #socbizchatAvanade Inc.
@sandy_carter I would say the engaged workplace is where I can be me & being me helps the workplace achieve their goals. #SocBizChatbillycripe
#socbizchat q1: willingness to share with others and collaborate to get the job done!Michael Brown
Q1: Engaged employees are focused, collaborative, and voluntarily help the company out #SocBizChatHyoun Park
Q1 employee engagement is when your team believes in your mission and serves as ambassadords - they amplifiy it #socbizchatChristina Bang
Q1: looking at "busy metrics" is not a sign of engagement, that can be the affect of being engaged but it's not the cause #socbizchatJacob Morgan
Q1: 3 behaviors ... one is Contributing organizational content, ideas and feedback #socbizchatjen oneil
A1: employee engagement is a deep emotional commitment to organizational goals #SocBizChatMaria Ogneva
Q1. Engaged employees feel that they are part of a team unit, and that they are empowered to play an important role. #socbizchatTraining Station
Q1 Engaged employees are invested in success #socbizchatDaniel Tucker
Q1 Employees are the competitive differentiator in the market. engaged = motivated = innovative = productivity #socbizchatShane Closser
A lot of good definitions. For me some are unnecessarily tight. An organisation should decide what form of engagement it needs. #socbizchatJon Ingham
@joningham Two themes emerging - connectedness and productivity. Add happiness/passion and you have engagement. #socbizchatTom Petrocelli
@sandy_carter Hi Sandy. Because sometimes it might be one thing, other times another. It depends. Strategy, context etc. #socbizchatJon Ingham
@hyounpark Q1. There needs to be balance. But desire is more important. The Why of Work. #socbizchatTom Petrocelli
Q1: 3 behaviors ... second is Helping team & other BU’s / depts (Q&A) beyond your daily role #socbizchatjen oneil
Q1 EE engagement is about inclusion and contribution. Making sure ee's know how they, specifically, contribute to org's success. #SocBizChatCathy McKnight
Q1 engaged employees live, breathe and embody the company culture; they don't delegate but instead collaborate #socbizchatChristina Bang
Q1: 3 behaviors: belief, see big picture, desire to improve #socbizchatScott Date
@cmswire Q1. Engaged employees are happier, inspired, connected, knowledgable, and aligned to business objectives... #socbizchatMarius Botha
Q1 Behaviours: speaks proudly of his company, feels concerned by any company issue, works outside office hours #socbizchatQuandora
Q1 Engagement means employees continually evaluate their perf & value add; driven to improve @hyounpark "the discretionary efft" #SocBizChatRachel Moussa
Q1: EE Engagement = A willingness to contribute to a company’s success; take on new challenges & responsibilities. #SocBizChatCathy McKnight
A1: Engaged employees are deeply passionate, which helps them go further, do more, use discretionary effort, constantly improve #SocBizChatMaria Ogneva
Q1: Is not all effort discretionary? We can choose to work or not work. #socbizchatDavid Zinger
@davidzinger Q1 discretionary is the above & beyond our R&Rs - part of what we measure in employee engagement #SocBizChatRachel Moussa
@davidzinger Q1 The amount of effort one chooses to give to work can vary immensely. Give nothing and you get fired #SocBizChatHyoun Park
@MeganMurray @davidzinger I don't think all effort is discretionary. Doing just enough to not get fired vs. going the extra mile #SocBizChatMaria Ogneva
@themaria It's a deep issue at many orgs. Pervasive even. @davidzinger #socbizchatMegan Murray
Ie if engagement is going to support competitive advantage, which it should, the behaviours have to be specific to that business #socbizchatJon Ingham
Q1 engaged employee behavior: takes pride in even small tasks and always uses WE instead of They or The Company #socbizchatChristina Bang
Q1: engaged employees: high performance in current job, volunteering on other projects, socially active at work #socbizchatBill Cushard
Q1: 3 behaviors ... third is demonstrated passion #notafraid .. #socbizchatjen oneil
A1: Engaged employees are more committed and able to solve deep problems collaboratively, they are brand advocates, team players #SocBizChatMaria Ogneva
How about engaged managers and leaders. They are employees too. No? What's their role? #socbizchatMegan Murray
@smg_Siobhan @MeganMurray engagement goes n more than 1 direction and it feeds all their needed ways. yet leaders must b models #socbizchatTraining Station
Engaged employees are open, interested, and fearless. #socbizchatVala Afshar
Q1: Who has great engaged employees today? #socbizchatsandy carter
@sandy_carter Companies with a lot of autonomy - W.L. Gore, Valve Software #socbizchatRajat Paharia
Q1: employee engagement is all about collaboration for the greater good of the biz #socbizchatAvanade Inc.
Q1 Engaged employees are both givers and receivers of the attention and appreciation needed. Also constructive criticism. #socbizchatTraining Station
Q1: Engaged employees say, "I'll do that!" Without hesitation. #socbizchatBill Cushard
Different organizations have different ways they define engagement, we can see the many definitions here #socbizchatJacob Morgan
Q1:Engaged employees are research and results-oriented, strategic, and excel working with all levels of the company #SocBizChatJill Tempelmeyer
Q1 An engaged employee also has initiatives (team building, deploying internal tools, increasing productivity, training...) #socbizchatQuandora
A1 Engagement is when the employee looks fwd to Monday morning and every work day. Ready to contribute, share, and be present. #socbizchatConnie Chan
A1. Engaged equals more WE than ME, far less US vs THEM #socbizchatDan Keldsen
Are we "driving" employees again? #socbizchatMegan Murray
@MeganMurray Only if employees drive their own car I hope. #socbizchatDavid Zinger
Q1. They have an increased in productivity, are more excited, and enjoy coming to work. #socbizchat #socbizchatBloomfire
Q1: Characteristics = they care - feel like meaningful company mission, pride in work and team #socbizchatRajat Paharia
Q1: engaged employees are encouraged to be open and be themselves #socbizchatDaniel Tucker
#socbizchat q1 for me it's about being "connected". To the task at hand and resources that will help get 'er done!Michael Brown
It's amazing that we even get to have this conversation! So much opportunity to find an engaging workplace! #SocBizChatbillycripe
Q1: Engaged employees have an emotional connection to the people, products, brand, company, customers. #socbizchatRich Blank
Q1 At @quantumwork, we define engagement with 3 key anchors: advocacy, discretionary effort, and intent to stay. #socbizchatQuantum Workplace
Q1 Engaged employees "get it" and are also "gotten". #socbizchatTraining Station
Q1 Essential to an engaged employee is the right culture, regardless of how you define engagement. #socbiz #socbizchatsandy carter
no involvement = no commitment... engagement can start with 4 words: what do you think? #socbizchatVala Afshar
@ValaAfshar I like the simplicity of that - you always do have a way with words. (plucking your book off of the shelf behind me) #socbizchatDan Keldsen
Q1: employee #engagement = being motivated to hit goals needed to drive co success but feeling control over that success is key #SocBizChatBadgeville
A1. Empowered, responsible, internally driven, rather than being driven - up, down and sideways in the foodchain #socbizchatDan Keldsen
Engaged employees drive the value of the network more quickly than value would grow based on Metcalfe's Law #socbizchatDavid Coleman
Employee engagement is when you have the right level of two way connect and communication between the employee and employer! #socbizchatNikhil Nulkar
Q1: engagement is believing you are part of something bigger than yourself, and caring about that bigger thing #socbizchat #socbizchatdebbie_landers
Q1- Debbi_Landers great definition for engagement! #socbizchatDavid Coleman
A1: engaged employees see collaboration as a "Mindset", not an "Event". #socbizchatThomas Anger
a1: we get to chose every day how to spend our time. #socbizchatal dampier, dph
What's the ROI
If you invest in the "right" people, what do you get out of it? What's the ROI of engaged employees? Again, the answers given are a thoughtful mix of tangible and intangible outcomes. The engaged employee will have better relationships with customers, stay in their jobs longer, increase company profits, take fewer sick days and perform better.
Again, if you're a company looking for specific things to look for in exchange of promoting employee engagement, it's not clear cut. But, ultimately, as Jacob Morgan says "every organization always has it's own "special something" that you can't describe or define, but we all know it's there."
[View the story "Q3. How does one make the connection between engagement and organizational performance? In other words, what's the ROI?" on Storify]Q3. How does one make the connection between engagement and organizational performance? In other words, what's the ROI?
Storified by CMSWire.com· Thu, Mar 28 2013 07:10:21
Q3: ROI calculations vary per Company, but try this: engaged → informed → smarter decisions → productivity ↑ → revenue ↑ #socbizchatRyan Rutan
Q3 What's your attrition rate? How effective is training to the bottom line? How is recruiting performing? #socbizchatMegan Murray
Q3 high customer satisfaction and net promoter scores indicate an engaged work force #socbizchatChristina Bang
Q3: Maturing Market = Abundant PROVEN ROI case-studies for employee engagement. Find relevant case, and compare to your org #socbizchatRyan Rutan
Q3: passion + bigger picture = improvement #socbizchatScott Date
Q3: •Engaged employees more profitable, create stronger customer relationships #socbizchatjen oneil
Q3. ROI is from employee retention rate. It costs to recruit and onboard employees. #socbizchatTom Petrocelli
Q3: What is the value of a good relationship? What is the value of treating humans as humans vs to capital, or cords of wood? #socbizchatMegan Murray
@MeganMurray I like your metric (attrition, training etc) better than a squishy "efficiency" metric. #SocBizChatbillycripe
Companies w/ high levels of engagement improved 19.2% in operating income, companies w/ low levels of engagement declined 32.7% #socbizchatJacob Morgan
Q3: Engaged employees improves customer satisfaction which drives profits. 2% customer retention improves profit by 10% #socbizchatShane Closser
Q3: @NucleusResearch has a standard ROI tool to calculate the ROI of any project: <a href="http://t.co/6OqsFCdpDU" class="">roitool.com</a> #SocBizChatHyoun Park
Q3 Tie engagement activities/#socbiz processes back 2 biz goals/objectives – sales numbers, time to market, etc. #socbizchatsandy carter
3. By not focusing on organisational performance and the ROI. Performance can be best achieved obliquely. Focus on the people #socbizchatJon Ingham
Track our work as start. Focus on hi value work MT @cmswire: Q3. How 2 make connection btwn engagement & org perf? ROI? #socbizchatTerri Griffith
Q3. ROI from higher productivity and better customer relationships. Motivated employees cost less and make more. #socbizchatTom Petrocelli
Q3: ROI has to be based on financial benefits. Otherwise, you're not really talking about ROI #SocBizChatHyoun Park
Q3: Engaged organizations grow profits 3x faster than competitors #socbizchatjen oneil
Q3 Turnover rate is highly correlated with ability to collaborate, if not being heard, or have relationships, will not stay #socbizchatDavid Coleman
Q3: But the ROI of better hiring and employee engagement can be seen in revenue, sales cycles, prod dev cycles, service levels #SocBizChatHyoun Park
Q3 people and culture are part of the brand in many of today's businesses - engaged employees improve your brand and business #socbizchatChristina Bang
Q3: Low turnover; good team dynamics (engaged employees are contagious) resulting in better team productivity #socbizchatQuandora
Q3: engaged employeees stay with company longer ... reducing overall cost to employer #socbizchatjen oneil
Q3: Ask the opposite. What is the cost of disengagement, or worse...negativity? #socbizchatKarinn Koback
Q3 Agree and do more than measure activity (number of blogs, communities). Use social analytics to measure, analyze and show ROI #socbizchatsandy carter
@cmswire A3: Drivers, #KPI's and #metrics #socbizchatMarcio Rodrigues
#socbizchat Q3: per <a href="http://t.co/MfVPTPfTbV" class="">zd.net/HZ2Yw3</a> lack of sales tool adoption causes up to 10% lost revenue. That's a sign of disengagement.Badgeville
Q3. I think training plays a critical role in employee engagement.The key to success is 2 teach appropriate skills effectively.#socbizchatTraining Station
Q3: Engagement ROI can be seen in # of sick days, job performance, employee referrals and putting a $ amount to each. #SocBizChatHyoun Park
Q3: There is a direct correlation between an increase in sales and an increase in employee engagement. #socbizchat #socbizchatBloomfire
Q3: An increased sense of community/productivity built on collaborative efforts for the greater good of the company. ROI=Results #SocBizChatJill Tempelmeyer
The other trouble with chats like #socbizchat, however: loads of cliches and over simplifications. How do we move *beyond* that?Amber Naslund
@AmberCadabra @MeganMurray Why asking better questions? #socbizchatGautam Ghosh
@AmberCadabra How about "Be the change you wish to see...":) #socbizchatConnie Chan
@conniechan8 It is important to model behaviors, especially if you are a leader, as the group often take on the tone of leader #socbizchatDavid Coleman
Re: why, I believe (& am guilty too), spending time looking for non-cliched language, is a waste. WHY is it a cliche? #socbizchatDan Keldsen
Employee training (professional development) is important to maintain low attrition. #socbizchatVala Afshar
@ValaAfshar agreed. That means constantly searching for personalized employment. Align personal interests with work goals. #SocBizChatbillycripe
@valaafshar ...and not just training for existing job....but development for potential future opportunities. #socbizchatBill Cushard
A3: employee performance, but also financial performance: most engaged 5x higher total shareholder return than least engaged #SocBizChatMaria Ogneva
#socbizchat Q3: $1m question! Survival seems to be the real ROI. Companies that understand the game has changed will get it. #alternativesuxMichael Brown
Q3 How are companies defining their performance metrics? #SocBizChatRachel Moussa
Q3: Highly engaged orgs have 3.9x the Earnings per Share growth of other cos in same industry (Gallup) Engagement ROI! #SocBizChatChristy Schoon
Q3 Watch this video of CEMEX's @jgilbertogarcia & how employees drive value & innovate w/ #socbiz <a href="http://t.co/7pRWHXP9gR" class="">bit.ly/XR6PDI</a> #socbizchatsandy carter
A3: #ROI of engaged employees is measured in smiles. #socbizchatZachary Jeans
Q3: Employee engagement does not matter has much as OT, higher quotas, impossible deadlines, and limited resources....right? #socbizchatBill Cushard
Q3 Nurturing the proper talent and skill, and promoting improvement and growth can build a happier, stronger workforce. #socbizchatTraining Station
every organization always has it's own "special something" that you can't describe or define, but we all know it's there #socbizchatJacob Morgan
@jacobm sometimes we wish it wasn't there. #SocBizChatbillycripe
Challenge with social is that it can amplify the good and the BAD. It represents an opportunity to no longer ignore the 'bad'. #socbizchatBilal Jaffery
I'd love to see cites come with the numbers. Not that I doubt them, but ya know. Validity. #socbizchatMegan Murray
Q3: ROI is ultimately a company-specific measure. See how engagement affects your firm's KPI's #SocBizChatHyoun Park
Q3: Proven over and over that an “engaged” workforce is more productive, innovative & efficient than one just punching the clock #SocBizChatCathy McKnight
#socbizchat There may be a correlation, but that correlation is not always strong. Investing in Emp Engagement is tough to get funding forRob Symington
Q3 Your people don't leave, and they bring their friends in. #socbizchatRajat Paharia
Employee succession planning is important. How many employees have you promoted in the past 2 years? #socbizchatVala Afshar
Q3 68% of the top financially firms leverage social to engage their employees #socbizchatsandy carter
Q3 Employee engagement is found to be higher in double-digit growth companies. #socbizchat <a href="http://t.co/13yZOnnYkI" class="">ccsnet.org</a>Heather Gossard
Q3 motivation&incentive may b necessary n order 4 them to b as receptive 2 training as they need to b 4 it to b fully effective. #socbizchatTraining Station
Q3: customer retention and satisfaction #socbizchatScott Date
Q3 Challenges of social is you can't hide anymore, it is transparency. But would this not be antithetical or hierarchical orgs? #socbizchatDavid Coleman
Q3: negativity is bad. Constructive criticism is collaborative. Don't let negativity fester. It leads to disengagement. #SocBizChatbillycripe
Q3. I wouldn't make the leap to social from engagement. 40% of knowledge workers don't even use their social sw. #socbizchatTom Petrocelli
Q3 McKinsey has a great study on the ROI of engagement. And Altimeter is now measuring your "engagement score" Can u measure it? #socbizchatsandy carter
Q3. And engagement starts with good management practice first. Software is a help but useless with bad managers. #socbizchatTom Petrocelli
The Tools of Employee Engagement
Everyone agreed that tools can help, but tools are not the starting point. In other words, you can have the best tools, but if they are not the right fit for your employees, they won't help. In fact, they'll hurt. But, if you know how your employees work best, or what they need, by all means, give them the tools to work smarter, better, faster.
Additionally, tools can provide companies with information about how people are working. Look to the metrics that show what's being accomplished. If tools aren't being used, you may not have disengaged employees, rather, you may have the wrong platform implemented to facilitate better engagement.
We have Allison Maguire to thank for pointing out the most important point about tools. She says, for as much time as we dedicate to choosing the right tools, just as much energy should be devoted to integrating them into the workflow. After all, adoption is the biggest barrier to social business.
[View the story "Q4. Can tools play a critical role in engagement? If so how? (and which ones?) " on Storify]Q4. Can tools play a critical role in engagement? If so how? (and which ones?)
Storified by CMSWire.com· Thu, Mar 28 2013 07:19:18
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Q4: Absolutely, tools that actually help employees be more productive will naturally draw higher engagement. #socbizchatRyan Rutan
Q4: Tools can facilitate the scaling of engagement. The engagement must come from the actors involved. #socbizchatMegan Murray
Q4: Absolutely, tools that add little to no personal value can negatively impact employee engagement + morale. #socbizchatRyan Rutan
Only if mixed with good practice MT @cmswire: Q4. Can tools play a critical role in engagement? #socbizchatTerri Griffith
@cmswire Give people 1 tool in which they can engage and get there work done. #socbizchatMahting Putelis
A4 #socbizchat - absolutely! the right collab tools can make all the diff. BUT more importantly, training folks on how to use themAvanade Inc.
Q4 We now have data that we never had before about worker activity. #socbizchatRajat Paharia
Q4 the right platform can give everyone a chance to engage - introverts and remote employees, or those on disengaged teams #socbizchatChristina Bang
A4: Tools like @Salesforce's @Chatter for internal social engagement are great. #socbizchatZachary Jeans
Q4 Smart companies can take that data and utilize it to engage and motivate employees #socbizchatRajat Paharia
Q4: yes, platform is important. digitally connecting dispersed workforce is the only way to feel connected and collaborate #socbizchatjen oneil
Q4: As with all tool choices, which tools depend on which needs the org has. There is no top 5 list for this one. #socbizchatMegan Murray
@MeganMurray agreed, start with outcomes not tools #socbizchatMarcio Rodrigues
Q4 Yes, they can! In the same way social networks created super-engaged users, good social-enabled enterprise tools can boost EE #socbizchatQuandora
Q4 Tools that help with engagement can get the employee more engaged i.e. Bunchball or Badgeville #socbizchatDavid Coleman
A4. Tools are only as good as those using them. Drop me in a Ferrari, and I'm quite sure it will be a crushed heap very soon. #socbizchatDan Keldsen
Q4: Engagement starts with attitude. Tools amplify attitude & participation. #SocBizChatbillycripe
@cmswire Q4: No question that tools are critical, but need to be enablers to scale intent, not solutions unto themselves. #socbizchatMatt Ridings
Agree @techguerilla you have to step back to the intent first, not just solutions for solution sake #socbizchatAvanade Inc.
w?Q4 Yes! Employees must be provided with tools/technology to engage and collaborate in a mobile, social, virtual workplace. #socbizchatsandy carter
Q4 Tools provide critical role - they are the manager's guide #SocBizChatRachel Moussa
Q4: Social Tools allow you to participate on your own schedule and build off other ideas #socbizchatScott Date
Q4 I don't want siloed tools. If I have to travel far for info, I wont go there. #socbizchatMahting Putelis
Q4: Of course you need the right #social tools. You can't build a house without the right tools. no social = doomed to fail #socbizchatKarinn Koback
In a collaborative enterprise, social CRM technologies can help measure employee engagement levels. #socbizchatVala Afshar
#socbizchat What tools are people using, homegrown or out of the box?Rob Symington
@Robsym18 Q4 we measure EE with a one-question mood survey, on an iPad as you leave for the day <a href="http://t.co/sExa4woMus" class="">ow.ly/jtmlT</a> #socbizchatChristina Bang
@cbang NICE! simple & effective. Nice trend data emerges that can correlate with activities at the co. great idea! #SocBizChatbillycripe
A4: Tools absolutely play a role. I love Pink's motivators: autonomy, purpose and mastery. Tools can help deepen all those #SocBizChatMaria Ogneva
A4 Does collaboration = engagement? #socbizchatRajat Paharia
Q4 Tools also require forward looking, verses perf tools looking backwards #SocBizChatRachel Moussa
Q4: Tools can monitor and report the level of employee engagement, encourage participation, and reward results #socbizchatShane Closser
A4 Tools are important, but the work culture needs to incorporate them. Otherwise, they can go unused. #socbizchatSimon Goodacre
@sgoodacre Q4 agreed; f/e @brcdcomm provides tools, and educates employees on the how why & what #SocBizChatRachel Moussa
Q4: Agreed, social social tools amplify but they alone can't make an org social. Open box social is bound to fail. #socbizchatBilal Jaffery
Q4: Social, collab, email, IM, ... can have a positive impact, but highly dependent on how introduced, positioned & rolled out. #SocBizChatCathy McKnight
Q4. Social tools can help with some of the processes that make for good engagement. They are no substitute for good management. #socbizchatTom Petrocelli
Why have engagement levels declined since we've been measuring it more? #socbizchatJon Ingham
@joningham It's not a lot of fun being in a relationship where you're being watched behind one way glass. #socbizchatMegan Murray
@MeganMurray true - sounds like a dis-engagement technique. #socbizchatDan Keldsen
@joningham engagement has declined because focus is less on developing people and yet expecting engagement to happen #socbizchatGautam Ghosh
Q4 has anyone looked at WaaS (worker as a service) this is one way to define value and engagement of an employee #socbizchatDavid Coleman
All the questions and answers r so obvious... Which is great... But howcome we still see that so many companies dont "get it" #socbizchatMarius Botha
@iBoota Because at the C level they have to relinquish their power, they have power because the have information. #socbizchatMahting Putelis
Q4 - I think tools help, but they need to be embedded in the daily work - not separate places to go #socbizchatBrian Forcum
Q4: Engagement requires the tools that employees will use. That could be anything from a chalkboard to a social network #SocBizChatHyoun Park
A4: Who doesn't want tools that afford a more open social environment at work where the best ideas win? #socbizchatZachary Jeans
@zacharyjeans I think it all depends on the business objectives. What needs to be prioritized? #socbizchatBilal Jaffery
A4: good communication tools let people get what they need, work with whom they need to get s**t done! that's engaging #SocBizChatMaria Ogneva
Q4 Engagement initiatives fail when employees are not provided w/tools to transform into a #socbiz. #IBM Connections #1 per IDCt #socbizchatsandy carter
tools are great enablers, they help make things happen but they are one ingredient in the sauce #socbizchatJacob Morgan
@jacobm if we spent as long on adoption planning as we do on tool selection we'd all be in a better place! #socbizchatAllison Maguire
Q4: Help people learning from eachother will lead to increased work satisfaction which is the key to engagement #socbizchatQuandora
Q4 tools can enable you to quantify employee engagement in # of new projects, ideas, and contribution levels #socbizchatChristina Bang
Q4 right tool for the right job is probably the most important part of enterprise social. Ease of use leads to adoption #socbizchatDaniel Tucker
Q4 "Any collaboration tool that get's in the way of a conversation is not a good tool, and will not support engagement #socbizchatDavid Coleman
#socbizchat q4: tools can help but only with the right leadership, culture chg. etc. which one? The one that fits your needs best!!Michael Brown
A4 IN my book it does, but it is not the only form of engagement @rajatrocks #socbizchatDiego Pereda
Q4. That said, training provides workers with the confidence that they can be successful. LMS helps everyone participate. #socbizchatTom Petrocelli
Q4: Require easy, #humancentric, #social tools to engage employees and succeed in business. #socbizchatKarinn Koback
A4: also, by definition communication platforms make things more transparent, so leadership has to step up. #SocBizChatMaria Ogneva
@cmswire Q4: Yes! Tools like @Conversocial show conversation history for context, ability to assign to SMEs & search proactively #socbizchatAnthony Thomas
Q4: But there's also a metrics-driven way of determining engagement. I wrote about it on @cmswire: <a href="http://t.co/3C0SmJTrbP" class="">j.mp/ZsvldD</a> #SocBizChatHyoun Park
Q4: EE engagement is not about technology; it is based on culture, attitude and approach. Tools can both help or hinder. #SocBizChatCathy McKnight
Q4: Absolutely! Collaboration is becoming more and more integrated with tools. But you must also know how to use them. #SocBizChatJill Tempelmeyer
@TheJillT @MeganMurray A4: Employees are often not communicated or convinced about "purpose" of tools and benefits #socbizchatGautam Ghosh
@GautamGhosh With good reason. They're rarely included in the assessment of needs. #socbizchat @TheJillTMegan Murray
@MeganMurray absolutely true. Tools are chosen based on "management's" needs not employees #socbizchatGautam Ghosh
Q4: Tools that are difficult to use reduce engagement, then when MGR yells at you for not being productive, people check out. #socbizchatBill Cushard
Q4 Employees are engaged with their smartphones and this will become an increasingly power tool of engagement or disengagement. #socbizchatDavid Zinger
Q4 Tools should be applied AFTER you are clear what the outcome you want is, not before (as so many people do) #socbizchatDavid Coleman
Q4: Also, sharing common challenges, lessons learned creates a sense of community and belonging #socbizchatQuandora
Q4: The proper tools allow for recognition & #collaboration increase ee. The right tools assist in efficiency & effectiveness. #socbizchatBloomfire
Q4: tools can provide the platform for your voice. Think old suggestion box on steroids #socbizchatScott Date
Q4:Yes! Gamification in particular can play a key role in employee engagement, b making work FUN & competitive (in a good way) #SocBizChatTraining Station
Q4. Tools, especially social tools, cam help to identify and reward success behaviors. Employee success helps a lot. #socbizchatTom Petrocelli
Q4 But tools are not the only thought. It must be Tools + Culture for engagement success #socbizchatsandy carter
.@sandy_carter +1, This is key. Social software is an enabler to allow me to do my job better. If it doesn't. :) #socbizchatBilal Jaffery
Q4: Engagement tools need to include feedback, collaboration, project management, and metrics to quantify success #SocBizChatHyoun Park
Q4: Put a good person in a bad system and the system wins every time. - Rummler #socbizchatBill Cushard
A4: Also through communication people can get better at what they do, connect w/experts, onboard faster -> progress is motivatig #SocBizChatMaria Ogneva
Q4: The right tools can not only draw existing engagement, but also inspire engagement by increasing the value to the person #socbizchatRyan Rutan
#socbizchat Q4: definitely but you can drive #engagement in existing tools. generated data shows you how employees are using them.Badgeville
Q4 tools are the enabler. How people matter feel about the tool matters today. More engagement comes from more engaging tool. #socbizchatRich Blank
Q4 Tools help but should be part of a critical process, and one with collaborative leverage to get the greatest value #socbizchatDavid Coleman
Looks like there is common agreement over at #socBizChat that tools are needed for social business!Ben Henderson
Q4: Engage new hires from the very beginning by facilitating their integration and ramping up #socbizchatQuandora
Q4: Gamification offers employees permanent feedback and feeling of accomplishment #socbizchatQuandora
@QuandoraCorp #Gamification *can* offer a feeling of accomplishment, but it's no guarantee. Poor rules = poor game #socbizchatDan Keldsen
Q4 The only way to scale is to automate, so you need tools. #socbizchatRajat Paharia
Q4. Delivering information quickly, either socially or directly, wher workers are is important. Feel connected/part of the team. #socbizchatTom Petrocelli
Q4: Allow ee's to adopt and adapt use of tools can help engagement; don't keep tools in their "box" just b/c they came that way. #SocBizChatCathy McKnight
#socbizchat Q4 contd: you already have tools for communication, productivity, knowledge sharing. Engage employees to use them productively.Badgeville
@badgeville But most tools are undifferentiated. Need to be adapted specifically for employee engagement. ex: Social learning. #socbizchatTom Petrocelli
Q4 I do love gamification as a way to encourage engagement. #socbiz #socbizchatsandy carter
Q4 Tools support employee engagement helping them connect and collaborate #socbizchatHeather Gossard
A4: @Chatter, @Yammer, & internal Google+ hangouts for collaboration. #socbizchatZachary Jeans
A4: Reality is if you scale a shitty culture you've just made it more transparently shitty. Get house in order first. #socbizchatMatt Ridings
@techguerilla I think you have a point there! #socbizchatSimon Goodacre
Dear manager, if you're not accessible, you're not social. Employees should have access to all levels of org. #socbizchatVala Afshar
Q4 Tools also include the simple human 2 human connection: dialogue #SocBizChatRachel Moussa
This all boils down to executive "buy in".... And execs buy profits or savings. Need to do better ROIs #socbizchatMarius Botha
Collaboration is like a toilet, it is something no one pays attention to or wants to spend $ on until it is broken! #socbizchatDavid Coleman
#socbizchat Q4:consider the employees coming into the market. You must have the tools they have learned to use since childhood.#futureofworkMahting Putelis
A4. Pre-engagement (understanding purpose, drivers, willingness) has to happen before trying engagement. #FAIL otherwise #socbizchatDan Keldsen
Q4: Personal & Team Incentives should motivate individuals 2 help each other learn and progress, 2c team goals&rewards obtained. #SocBizChatTraining Station
Q4 social collab platforms like #Confluence help teams self-organize, discover projects, & get involved #socbizchatChristina Bang
Q4: if you don't 'listen' to what people are saying the tools perceived usefulness will fade away #socbizchatScott Date
Q4: Ultimately, tools support and extend engagement strategies. Without strategy, culture, KPIs, tools don't help #SocBizChatHyoun Park
Q4 Does tool incrementally improve business as usual? Or is it game changing allowing you to do things you couldn't do before? #socbizchatRich Blank
Q4: Put in contact people from across the organisation that would not otherwise connect. This will develop social connections #socbizchatQuandora
Q4 Strategic Learning Maps ensure that people have a holistic system-wide view of the biz, strategy, objectives & their role #SocBizChatRoot Inc
To Be Continued...
That wraps up this half of the tweet jam recap. Be sure to check out part two where we tackle insights about gamification, quantifying employee engagement and the challenges of creating and sustaining employee engagement.
