How Empowering Employees Creates a More Engaged Workforce

by Tiffany Bloodworth Rivers on August 13, 2015
dots-pattern
inner-blogshape

Using FM software has many advantages; the most obvious being its ability to augment managements’ metrics gathering and decision-making processes. Space management, asset or inventory tracking, service request processing and office moves are just some of the areas in which managerial processes can be improved. Furthermore, the ability to connect with and to your workforce through computers, tablets and other mobile devices and share real-time data, procedural updates or personnel information, for instance, has helped management run like a well-oiled machine.

But, embracing new technology is not always the easiest action for many managers and companies to take. Here is where we see the secondary method in which FM software benefits FMs and their organizations. The use of technology is often perceived as a statement of progressive managerial thought. Simply by incorporating FM software, as well as other technological advantages, you are signaling to your current team, as well as potential new team members, your commitment to forward thinking and the ability to adapt and change with the times. Let’s look at some of the ways perception and performance can go hand in hand.

Connectivity and Communication

Decades ago, the manager or boss in an organization would make decisions for the company then delegate tasks and look for results to come to them. The input of the worker was minimal and there wasn’t much collaboration or group decisions, unless it was a directive from management. This kind of monolithic managerial style was effective, but wasn’t really designed to foster relationships or create innovative conversations amongst them.

iStock_000020643515_Small

In modern work configurations, so much more of the emphasis seems to be on empowering your workforce to be innovators, both collaboratively and individually. Encouraging your people to communicate and work together for the betterment of the company will be best facilitated through an increased technology presence. Especially one which connects individuals and ideas readily, where they can share their thoughts and strategies, as well as company metrics, which will influence so much of the decision-making processes. Plus, this brand of autonomous thinking will lead to more ascension amongst the team members, which is always a positive for retaining and attracting personnel.

Engaged Employees

The emerging modern workforce has been conditioned through technology to expect answers and information to be only a few clicks away. Decisions are often made in a shared group process and feedback on professional and personal lives are regularly discussed openly, often in public forums. Therefore, a progressive FM understands that these same qualities need to be represented and mirrored in the workplace.

iStock_000056632540_Small

Using metrics to create answers and work directives has been fairly common practice for managers but now they are looking to tap these same resources. The members of the team are looking to find answers on their own, if possible, and want to feel they play a more valuable role than just a salaried employee. By creating an open and flexible environment for teamwork, with access to information and data pertaining to the organization readily available, modern workers begin to invest in their jobs on a deeper level. Making sure this model of transparent teamwork continues to evolve and thrive will keep those same workers engaged and loyal. Continue to give regular feedback and praise and make sure decisions are made from information and data and less about emotions. Remember what first attracted your valued employees and continue to make that job configuration a constant.

Facilitating with Technology

Connecting, communicating and engaging with them is a sure-fire recipe for keeping valued employees in your organization. And by using various software and technology, modern employees are able to maximize these tenants of a progressive system. Your organization can also focus on new and innovative methods, such as a mobile workforce operating from any location, or the ability to continually re-configure existing office spaces to fit workers’ needs. This style of active whole office management has a powerful effect on your personnel’s well-being and engagement. The reoccurring ideals of personal directive and freedom in the work environment become more and more prevalent daily. By also making managerial metrics, for all aspects of the organization, available for employees to review and use in decision-making, the employee buy-in becomes even stronger. Information and freedom is what will develop your company’s culture, which is also an increasingly valuable asset for the modern worker. Connecting, communicating and engaging.

Talented workers want a challenge, but must be supplied the tools to succeed, or they begin to recognize the impossibility of a situation and will disengage from their job. These same workers want a system that supports and promotes their hard work and lets them feel as if they are contributing to the organization. Information and organized operations supply the needed tools, feedback and potentials for success your workforce craves. Stay on the forefront of your industry by incorporating the technology that will supply your employees needs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tiffany Bloodworth Rivers

Tiffany covers leadership and marketing topics and enjoys learning about how technology shapes our industry. Before iOFFICE, she worked in local news but don't hold that against her.

Capterra Ratings: ★★★★★ 4.5/5