HR Article Discussion Post

Discussion Post

1. Concept and Brief Description
2. Emotional Hook (provocative question/claim/real-life problem)
3. Key Points to Elicit in Discussion
4. Facilitative Questions

1. I read an article entitled "Employee Engagement." (http://www.hrmguide.net/usa/commitment/employee-engagement.htm) Getting employees to be more engaged in their work has been a hot topic for HR professionals. Employee engagement deals with getting more production out of your current work force. More specifically, 'engagement' is broken into two parts: feelings of engagement and engaged behavior. Feelings of engagement deal with an employee's focus and enthusiasm. Engaged behavior deals with employee's proactivity and persistent.

2. If you were in charge of a team of 12 people, what strategies would you use to get your employees more 'engaged.'

3. I think the most important thing to recognize is the important role a manager plays in engaging employees. In this economy especially, employees often ponder their job safety. It is impossible to be engaged when you are worrying about losing your job. Managers need to recognize how their actions either exacerbate or mitigate employee's fears. For example, when a manager starts spending extra time behind closed doors or more time in private conferences, employees worry. On the flip side, a simple comment of reassurance to employees can quelch worries, opening the doors for engagement. The responsibility of creating a environment that fosters employee engagement lies of the shoulders of management.

4. When have you felt most 'engaged' in work?
What caused you to feel this way?
Was your behavior at work different when you felt engaged?
Did your management play a role in your 'engagement?'