Happiness at Work

Cultivating Workplace Happiness: The Power of Small Gestures

Fostering happiness at work has become an essential goal for companies seeking to attract and retain top talent. While major initiatives and comprehensive programs can certainly contribute to overall employee satisfaction, it’s often the little things that make a significant difference in creating a positive and joyful workplace atmosphere. In this article, we explore the power of small gestures that companies can implement to foster happiness among their employees.

Express Appreciation and Recognition

One of the simplest yet most impactful ways to foster happiness at work is by expressing genuine appreciation and recognition for employees’ efforts. Taking the time to acknowledge and celebrate accomplishments, whether through public praise, personalized thank-you notes, or small tokens of gratitude, can go a long way in boosting morale, motivation, and overall job satisfaction.

Foster a Culture of Flexibility

Promoting work-life balance and providing flexibility in the workplace is another important factor in nurturing employee happiness. Offering flexible working hours, remote work options, or the opportunity to manage personal commitments demonstrates trust and respect for employees’ individual needs. This freedom empowers them to achieve a better work-life integration, leading to increased happiness, engagement, and overall well-being.

Create Opportunities for Growth

Employees often derive happiness from a sense of progress and personal development. By providing opportunities for continuous learning and growth, such as training programs, workshops, mentorship, or tuition reimbursement, companies can empower their workforce and cultivate a culture of lifelong learning. This investment in employees’ professional development not only enhances their skill sets but also boosts their job satisfaction and happiness.

Promote Social Connections

Encouraging positive social interactions among employees is a vital aspect of fostering happiness at work. Companies can create opportunities for team-building activities, social events, or even simple initiatives like designated social spaces where employees can connect and build relationships. By promoting a sense of camaraderie and belonging, companies create a supportive and enjoyable work environment that significantly contributes to employee happiness.

Inclusive Celebrations for Occasions

Embracing diversity and inclusivity in the workplace means acknowledging and celebrating occasions that hold significance for employees. For example, on Mother’s Day, companies can organize activities like brunch or a heartfelt appreciation event to honor and recognize working mothers. Similarly, recognizing religious or cultural holidays by offering time off or organizing inclusive celebrations promotes a sense of belonging and fosters happiness among employees.

Surprise Celebrations

Surprise celebrations add an element of excitement and delight to an employee’s birthday. Co-workers can organize a surprise gathering, decorate the workspace, or arrange for a small surprise gift or treat. This unexpected show of celebration generates a sense of joy and creates lasting memories, fostering a positive atmosphere within the workplace.

Prioritize Well-being

Companies that prioritize employee well-being demonstrate their commitment to the holistic welfare of their workforce. This can be achieved by offering wellness programs, access to fitness facilities, mental health resources, or even organizing wellness challenges or meditation sessions. By fostering a culture that values and supports employee well-being, companies not only enhance happiness but also increase productivity and reduce absenteeism.

Encourage Autonomy and Empowerment

Granting employees a sense of autonomy and empowerment in their roles is a powerful driver of happiness. Providing them with the freedom to make decisions, contribute ideas, and take ownership of their work fosters a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Companies can achieve this by delegating responsibilities, encouraging innovation, and trusting employees to execute tasks in their own unique ways.

Final thoughts

While major organizational initiatives play a significant role in fostering happiness at work, it’s the small, thoughtful gestures that often have the most profound impact on employees’ overall well-being and satisfaction. By expressing appreciation, promoting flexibility, enabling growth opportunities, facilitating social connections, prioritizing well-being, and encouraging autonomy, companies can create a positive work environment that fuels happiness, engagement, and productivity. Remember, it’s the little things that collectively make a big difference in cultivating workplace happiness.

Employer Brand

Signs you need an Employer Brand

“In today’s competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent is essential for the success of any organization. This is where an effective Employer Brand strategy comes into play. A strong Employer Brand helps position your company as an attractive and desirable place to work, making it easier to attract qualified candidates, reduce employee turnover, and create a positive work environment. In this article, we will explore some key signs that indicate your organization may be in need of an Employer Brand strategy. By recognizing these signs and implementing the right strategies, you can enhance your company’s reputation, engage your workforce, and ultimately gain a competitive edge in the talent market.”

Difficulty attracting the talent you need

If you’re struggling to attract qualified and skilled candidates for your job openings, it may indicate a lack of awareness or appeal of your organization as an employer. An Employer Brand strategy can help position your company as an attractive workplace and increase interest from potential candidates. It’s important to note 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲, 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. It attracts individuals who are willing to embrace these challenges, overcome them, and flourish in your company. A strong employer brand effectively identifies and attracts these prospective candidates.

High employee turnover

If you’re experiencing high employee turnover rates, it could be a sign that employees are not fully engaged or satisfied with their experience at your organization. An effective Employer Brand strategy can help create a positive work environment and increase employee loyalty, reducing turnover.

Negative employee reviews

If your organization receives negative reviews on employer review websites social media platforms or word of mouth, it can harm your reputation as an employer. An Employer Brand strategy focuses on managing your company’s reputation and improving the employee experience, which can help counteract negative feedback.

Lack of employee advocacy

When employees are proud to work for your organization, they become brand ambassadors and advocates both online and offline. If you notice a lack of employee advocacy or a lack of positive word-of-mouth referrals, it may indicate the need for an Employer Brand strategy to cultivate a sense of pride and engagement among your workforce.

Difficulty competing for talent

If you’re losing out on top candidates to your competitors, it may be a sign that your organization is not effectively differentiating itself as an employer of choice. An Employer Brand strategy can help highlight your unique value proposition and position your organization as a preferred destination for talented individuals.

Inconsistent messaging

If there is a lack of consistency in how your organization is presented to potential candidates or the external market, it can lead to confusion and a diluted brand image. An Employer Brand strategy provides a framework for consistent messaging and positioning across various communication channels.

Low employee morale and engagement

If you notice low levels of employee morale, decreased productivity, or a lack of enthusiasm among your workforce, it may indicate a disconnect between your organization’s values, culture, and employee experience. An Employer Brand strategy can align these elements, enhancing employee engagement and overall satisfaction.

As an employer brand agency, we offer comprehensive support to companies in developing a strong and authentic employer brand. Through in-depth research and analysis, we understand your company’s culture and values, enabling us to craft a compelling Employer Value Proposition (EVP). Our agency assists with brand strategy and messaging, enhancing the employee experience, creative brand activation, and continuous evaluation. By partnering with us, you can leverage our expertise to create a standout employer brand that attracts and retains top talent, fostering a motivated and engaged workforce.

Final thoughts on signs you need an Employer Brand

Remember, an effective Employer Brand strategy requires a thorough understanding of your organization’s culture, values, and employee experience. It should be aligned with your overall business goals and consistently communicated to internal and external stakeholders.

People sustainability

People Sustainability: for a better world of work

Businesses are built on the efforts of people. They are the driving force that keeps the business running, creates value, and ultimately leads to success. Therefore, it’s important for businesses to prioritize their employees and create a people sustainability strategy that supports their well-being, development, and growth.

In this article, we’ll explore the steps businesses can take to build a people sustainability strategy that helps to create a sustainable and successful business.

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)

A culture of belonging is the foundation of a sustainable workforce which allows every employee to be seen, valued and supported. Every employee should be allowed to bring their complete selves to work, connecting it to creating a better working environment.

Prioritize well-being and work-life balance

Companies deploy tools and strategies to foster the wellness of their people; mental, physical psychological, social, financial, and career.

Employees need to have a balance between work and personal life to be engaged and productive. To create a people sustainability strategy, prioritize work-life balance by offering flexible work arrangements, promoting healthy habits, and creating a culture that supports work-life integration.

Trust and Transparency

Here, the emphasis is on giving employees a voice, helping them understand how important decisions that affect them are made, and helping them have faith in their company to act ethically. Do you regularly hear what your staff has to say and respond to it?

Provide Opportunities for Growth and Development

Employees want to feel that they are growing and developing in their roles. This can include training programs, coaching opportunities, and leadership development programs. Organizations need to ensure that their employees are engaged and equipped with the skills they need to grow as the company continues to advance by focusing and developing them through upskilling and reskilling.

Final thought

Creating a people sustainability strategy is essential for building a sustainable business and making the world of work a better place. Prioritizing people in the core aspects of a business, such as its purpose, culture, and technology helps to drive their efforts toward creating a sustainable workforce.

Employee Value Proposition

Creating an Irresistible Employee Value Proposition: A Guide for Employers

An employee value proposition (EVP) is a crucial aspect of an organization’s overall employer brand. It outlines what employees can expect from the company in terms of rewards, benefits, and opportunities for growth and development. In today’s highly competitive job market, having a strong EVP is essential for attracting and retaining top talent.

An EVP is not just about offering a comprehensive benefits package or a fun work environment. It’s about creating a culture and workplace experience that aligns with the values and motivations of your employees. In this article, we’ll explore how you can create an irresistible EVP that will make your company stand out from the competition and inspire your employees to do their best work.

Understand your employees

The first step in creating an effective EVP is to gain a deep understanding of your employees and what they value. This involves conducting surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one interviews to gather insights into their motivations, work styles, and career aspirations. This information will help you tailor your EVP to meet their specific needs and desires.

Identify your unique Value Proposition

What makes your company different from others in your industry? What are the core values and beliefs that drive your business? Use this information to develop a unique value proposition that sets you apart from the competition. This could be anything from a focus on work-life balance, to opportunities for professional growth, to a commitment to sustainability.

Ensure Your EVP Aligns with Your Company Culture

Your EVP should align with your company culture and reflect the way you do business. If you promise a flexible work environment, for example, you need to ensure that you have the policies and processes in place to make this a reality. It’s also important to continually review and update your EVP to ensure it remains relevant and meaningful to your employees.

Communicate your EVP clearly

Once you have developed your EVP, it’s essential to communicate it clearly and consistently to both current and potential employees. This means creating a compelling story that showcases the benefits of working for your company and highlighting the experiences that employees can expect. Your EVP should be prominently displayed on your website, in your recruitment materials, and in employee communications.

Live your EVP

Finally, it’s essential to live your EVP every day. This means creating a workplace culture that supports and reinforces your values and promises. It also means providing employees with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to achieve their career goals and feel fulfilled and valued in their work.

Your EVP agency in Mauritius

At Engaged, we have worked over the past year to bring our clients the best Employee Value Proposition roadmap. We are more than happy with the enthusiasm it’s generating from the local HR community with whom our work and partnerships have started.

We are privileged to unveil the compelling EVP of:
1. ABC Banking Corporation Ltd, Mauritius “𝑩𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒍𝒆𝒕’𝒔 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓” and their brand pillars:

~ Unleash your potential
~ Do things differently
~ Be remarkable
~ Move forward with flexibility

2. Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels “𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙃𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚” and their brand pillars:

~ We grow together
~ We share and care
~ We are proud to serve
~ We have fun and set the trend

Final thoughts

In conclusion, creating an irresistible employee value proposition is an ongoing process that requires commitment and effort from the entire organization. However, the benefits are well worth it. By providing employees with a compelling and meaningful workplace experience, you can increase employee engagement and loyalty, and attract top talent to your company.

Employer branding

How Employer Branding can help companies engage with their employees at an emotional level?

Employer branding is not a new concept but has been gaining momentum lately in the talent market. Employers should design a culture that engages its people at an emotional level not just at a transactional level. A company culture that is transactional in nature focuses on tasks, processes, and tangible results. It is often characterized by a lack of engagement and a high turnover rate among employees. On the other hand, an emotional company culture prioritizes relationships, experiences, and a sense of belonging. This type of culture is known to foster employee satisfaction and loyalty.

What is employer branding?

Employer brand refers to the image and reputation of a company as an employer, including its work culture, values, and policies. It helps potential candidates envision themselves working in your organization, and employees to continually choose you as their employer because of their positive experiences.

So, how can an employer brand change a transactional company culture into an emotional one?

Define your company’s values and mission

The first step in creating a positive employee experience through employer branding is to define your company’s values and mission. What are the core principles that guide your company? What are you trying to achieve? This information will help you create a compelling brand that resonates with potential and current employees.

Foster a positive company culture

A positive company culture is essential to creating a positive employee experience. Your employees should feel like they’re part of a team and that their contributions are valued. This can be achieved through regular team-building activities, open communication, and recognition programs.

Provide competitive benefits

Employees expect more than just a salary when it comes to their job. They want to know that their employer cares about their well-being and provides benefits that support their physical, mental, and financial health. Consider offering things like flexible work schedules, health insurance, and paid time off.

Invest in employee development

Employees want to grow and develop in their careers. By providing opportunities for professional development, you’re demonstrating that you value your employees and their future with the company. This can be achieved through training programs, mentorship opportunities and coaching.

Foster a positive work environment

A positive work environment can have a significant impact on employee satisfaction. Encourage open communication, teamwork, and a supportive atmosphere. You can also create a physical environment that is comfortable, welcoming, and encourages creativity.

Employer Brand agency in Mauritius

As the first and only employer branding agency in Mauritius, Engaged Solutions Ltd, can assist you in developing your employer brand by providing strategic guidance, creative solutions, and implementation support through workshops, one-to-one interviews, training and consulting.

Final thoughts

By focusing on these elements, you can create a company culture that is emotional in nature. This will help you build strong relationships with employees, foster a sense of belonging, and increase employee satisfaction and loyalty.

learning & development

What does Learning and Development at the workplace stand for?

With the world of work getting more competitive, one cannot predict the future of work right. Take the extra steps to prepare yourself for an ever-increasing workforce rate, so you have the skills to fit the unknown careers of the future. We all know that change is inevitable and necessary for the growth of an organization. One way is through learning and development. 

L&D usually forms part of a company’s talent management strategy to attract, acquire, nurture, engage and retain top talents. Talent development, both upskilling and reskilling, is vital to sustainable business growth and success.

What is Learning & Development?

Learning & Development is about building the right culture and environment for continuous learning throughout the organization.

L&D is a function within an organization that is responsible for nurturing employees’ growth and developing their knowledge, skills, and capabilities to drive better business performance and growth.

Impact of L&D at the workplace

HR leaders can provide support and resources to help their employees achieve their maximum productivity, which in turn impacts their happiness, engagement, and ultimately their innovation!

Bringing in a positive work culture

A learning culture is where members of an organization actively learn, encourage others to learn, and share their knowledge. L&D generates a positive culture by:

·  Relying on a very specific corporate culture centered on the evolution and personal development of employees

·  Providing them with a playful, interactive, rich, and entertaining learning experience, that’s why L&D exists.

Employer and employee objective alignment

According to a study by Brandon Hall Group in 2020, 87% of businesses agreed that it is critical to keep business objectives top of mind when developing training programs.

The benefits are as follows:

  • Deliver training programs that are relevant to your employees, and that allows them to grow in ways that impact their job performance
  • Be more strategic when investing in an employee training initiative
  • Have a clear idea of the cost and return on investment
  • Improve resources utilized
  • Increase the effectiveness of L&D programs

Learn more on how to align employee development with business goals

Employee retention

An empowered learning and development workforce improves employee retention. Talents are encouraged to stay when they are provided with continuous learning that will help them reach their career goals within your organization—rather than at another company. When employees know that their company is investing in them, they will feel challenged to grow which makes their jobs more fulfilling, and in return will be more inclined to invest their energy in the organization.

Increased motivation and engagement

In a report by Gallup, they identified that 87% of millennials agree that learning and development in the workplace are important, while 59% of millennials mentioned that having opportunities to learn and grow is extremely important when applying for a job.

So learning doesn’t just build skills, it motivates people and increases engagement. It creates value for their work, which makes them more productive. The opportunity to learn and develop is the most important driver of employee happiness.

When employees see that you are providing learning opportunities to advance their careers, they feel you care about their growth and become more empowered and committed to their jobs.

Employee performance and quality of work improvement

As employees acquire new skills and information, it builds their confidence because they have a stronger understanding of the industry and their responsibilities. This confidence will push them to perform better and bring new ideas that help them excel. Continuous learning keeps employees at a competitive edge in industry development. Reskilled and upskilled employees help the business hold a position as a leader and strong competitor within the industry.

Stronger Employer Brand

As you know, your employees are your most valuable asset. Developing a brand that makes them want to work with you and stay is important for your growth in this competitive workplace. Having a good employer brand isn’t just about saying you offer L&D opportunities. It’s about actually doing it. The more you build a culture of continuous learning, the better your reputation as an employer. It is important to highlight your strengths as an employer and provide differentiation when talents compare your organization to other potential hires.

How can Engaged Solutions help?

We offer a powerful learning journey that drives meaningful change. From the first Discovery Session throughout the learning partnership, we bring tailor-made Learning and Development solutions with a holistic approach that combines workforce development with the business context.

The Learning and Development programs by Engaged Solutions are led by our team of experienced, top-tier trainers. Our methodology: workshops & webinars, customized training programs, and coaching.

As your learning partner, we…

·   Start off by understanding your needs

·   Customize the delivery to suit your needs

·   Share meaningful insights with leadership post training

·   Then follow-up after 3/6 months on progress if any, and

·   Where needed, provide individual coaching.

Final thoughts

The first step toward achieving transformation within the organization is learning how people learn and develop as individuals so that leaders can better guide them. Finally, rethinking the learning experience within an organisation is an approach with high added value in the service of the transformation of work, the employee experience, and the development of the company. Because if the links between employees are important, just like guaranteeing their well-being, it is also essential to strengthen the links between the company and its stakeholders.

reskilling your workforce

Reskilling Your Workforce for the Future: An HR’s Guide

If your organization wants to stay competitive, you must have employees with the right skills to help you be productive, innovative, and ultimately more profitable. Reskilling is a way to ensure your employees have the skills they need to thrive and make transitions into new roles. Read on to learn more about reskilling and how to successfully reskill your workforce.

Read more on: https://www.aihr.com/blog/reskilling/