7 Strategies To Improve Employee Commitment In The Workplace

Any HR leader cares about retention rates, productivity and engagement. And any HR leader also knows that an engaged team is a productive and successful team.

From fun benefits to regular company socials, the mission to keep employees satisfied is one that has to be invested in regularly to retain employees. But is that all there is to it? How about emotional commitment?

Traditionally for employers, the idea of anything ‘emotional’ related to the workplace would hold no value. People should just work hard regardless of where they are or how they feel, right? Not quite.

In fact, studies found that employees perform 69% better when they have a strong emotional commitment to their work and the company (Team Stage).

What is employee commitment and why is it something HR professionals should be conscious of?

Employee commitment is when employees feel emotional attachment towards their company. This inspires them to go the extra mile and continue serving and doing their best to contribute to their company’s success.

It’s simple – when you care about something, you’re committed to its growth.

But the problem with many employees is that so many of them aren't enjoying work, they have nothing to work towards, and the company they work for isn't one that inspires them or motivates them. Not only will this lead to productivity levels decreasing, but it'll lead to turnover.

Some people are okay with going through the motions with a job and essentially quietly quitting, but some aren't and if they're working for a company that doesn't mean anything to them, they're very likely to quit.

But even if people stay, would you really want people just going through the motions? Where no one is really going above and beyond and feeling fulfilled by their work? Probably not.

By keeping your eyes on the psychology of emotional commitment in employees can help you to go beyond the surface and make lasting change. Emotions that people attach to your company, the management, and even the way they view the Human Resources department is vital to consider regularly.

1. PROMOTE A CLEAR SENSE OF PURPOSE

You can’t expect employees to be committed to something that has no purpose. Commitment comes from knowing the "why" behind your work.

Ensure employees know their role’s purpose and how they can individually contribute to the company's mission and vision. Employees like to feel like they’re not just a part of something great, but that they are contributing towards its greatness.

2. ENSURE STRONG RELATIONSHIPS ARE BUILT

Cultivate a culture that encourages employees form bonds with each other and with managers. A large part of commitment is community. Humans thrive off of relationships, even in a professional environment.

Don’t settle for a workplace where people barely speak to one another, never collaborate, and rarely get together outside of work. A collaborative workplace where people get along with their colleagues and managers, as well as have fun, is a workplace that people feel committed to.  

3. RECOGNISE AND REWARD ACHIEVEMENT

Being rewarded reminds employees of their purpose in the company, as well as how much you value their individual contributions. Zippia reports that 80% of employees say they’re motivated to work harder when they’re recognised for their work by their superiors. Recognition is the spark that ignites motivation. 

Being told you’re doing a good job makes you feel more confident that you’re doing a good job. Feeling confident about your work increases morale, ambition, and a sense of purpose. 

4. INVEST IN EMPLOYEE’S PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

Commitment stems from looking at things long term. An employee could love the company but they won’t truly invest into a company that’s not investing into them. Any ambitious employee wants to progress and the reality is, a poor company won’t stop them from making it happen. They’ll move on and find something that they can truly be loyal and committed to. But as a HR professional, you want people to feel like they can see themselves progressing in your company, not looking elsewhere.

Provide opportunities for skill development, career advancement, and mentorship. Employees who see a future within the organisation are more far more likely to stay committed.

5. ENSURE WELLBEING IS PRIORITISED

Create a workplace where employees know their wellbeing is cared about. Many employers are of the opinion that if they push work-life balance, employees will become lazy and not work as hard. This is a myth. In fact, employees work harder and have a better outlook of a company that cares about their wellbeing.

6. ENCOURAGE INNOVATION AND INPUT

A massive way to ensure commitment in employees is by allowing them to unleash their creativity. Encourage managers to let employees contribute their ideas and perspectives and involve them in decision-making.

When employees see their input valued, they're more invested in the company's success.

7. LEAD BY EXAMPLE

If you want employees to be committed and hardworking, you need do the same. Especially as a HR professional, you must embody commitment yourself. Be visible, approachable, and passionate about your role. Your enthusiasm can inspire others to follow suit.

- Written by Oliver Howson

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