Openness, engagement key to driving employee empowerment

Empowering employees is central to any sort of process improvement or Lean management effort, as leaders must rely on individual initiatives to affect organizational change and efficiency. Managers have often relied on financial incentives to stir empowerment, but most experts now agree that bonuses and salary raises are not the only factors motivating hard work and productivity.

Richard Close, a business transformation specialist, explains to Response Source that employees are much more likely to be loyal to their employers if their work environment is enjoyable, inspiring and challenging. Employee empowerment, and the productivity that results, is not driven by financial rewards but by engagement and workplace satisfaction.

“Providing an environment where staff can thrive is vital to achieve success,” Close told the source. “Whilst some people are driven by financial gain, in my experience, most employees respond more positively to being able to work freely in an open environment where their input is valued and they are given the opportunity to contribute their own ideas and flourish.”

Of course, not every organization can boast such an environment. In developing such an atmosphere, leaders first and foremost need to open up new communication channels and optimize existing ones. Affording employees a venue to express their views on corporate strategy, project development and individual job descriptions is the first step toward instilling a sense of influence over business development.

Managers can establish these networks through workshops, open meetings and one-on-one discussions. Even social media can be used as a platform for voicing operational concerns. As employees see their ideas come to fruition they will naturally feel more confident in their contributions, helping them to mature as a professional.

Close also recommends dishing out rewards and incentives for good work. Once again, direct monetary rewards are not the only option. Encouraging a more open culture where staff members are aware of what is going on in the business can help them feel valued.

“Regardless of their job function, involve them in decision making, and ask their opinion on issues affecting the business,” Close suggests. “By introducing small changes to the culture, you'll inevitably notice a change in attitude, loyalty and ultimately staff development.”