Page 227 - How America's Best Places to Work Inspire Extra Effort in Extraordinary Times

214B RE-ENGAGE

Job satisfaction is an important contributor to employee engage-
ment in all times. We encourage employers to continue efforts to help
associates stay positive and excited about their work and prospects for
growth. Although some companies may choose to sever some em-
ployees as a cost-cutting measure, all employers must work to retain
their most talented employees.
In times of uncertainty, employees worry not just about the status
of their current jobs, but about whether there will be chances for them
to grow. If employers can continue to make investments in the devel-
opment of their employees, we believe that employees will respond in
kind.

Job and Career Growth Practices in Difficult Times

1. Introduce stretch assignments, and increase frequency of
career-related discussions.

2. Engage employees by providing opportunities where they
can improve personal leadership skills. Leadership training
gives employees who may be feeling stuck in their current
positions an outlet to explore the next step and the ambition
needed to move up in the company.

3. An employee mentoring program is one low-cost and
effective leadership training idea that can help boost
employee engagement. Partner employees with managers
and executives, and have them shadow each other or work
on a project together. Both partners will appreciate the
change of pace, and the employee will pick up valuable,