Wonder, why many organizations fail while some have improved productivity, happy customers, and shiny balance sheet under the same environment. This is because its employees are able to connect with their company at intellectual, emotional, and physical levels.
At Intellectual level:
- Employees need to understand and believe in the company’s mission, vision, and values.
- They need to feel like their work is meaningful and that they are contributing to a bigger purpose.
- They need to have opportunities for learning and growing along the organization.
At Emotional level:
- Employees need to feel valued and respected by their colleagues and managers.
- They need to feel like they are part of a team and that they can rely on their colleagues for support.
- They feel psychologically safe, and comfortable in sharing their thoughts, ideas and feedback.
At Physical level:
- Employees need to have a safe and comfortable work environment.
- They need to have access to the resources they need to do their jobs effectively.
- They need to have a healthy work-life balance.
When an employee connects with the company at all these three levels, he/ she is more likely to be engaged, productive, and loyal, and likely to go the extra mile and give his best effort. Organizations can create an environment where employees can really connect by focusing on intellectual, emotional, and physical connection. This can be done by:
- Intellectually: Clearly and regularly communicate the company’s mission, vision, and values. Set clear goals and expectations for employees. Provide opportunities for employees to learn and grow. Recognize and reward employees for their contributions.
- Emotionally: Create a culture of respect and inclusion. Encourage employees to collaborate and support each other. Provide opportunities for employees to socialize outside of work. Listen to and respond to employee feedback.
- Physically: Provide a safe and comfortable work environment. Offer competitive salaries and benefits. Promote a healthy work-life balance.
By investing in employee connection, organizations can create a more productive, loyal, and innovative workforce. This can lead to larger returns, increased profitability, and market share.
