The president and founder of engagement research specialist firm TalentMap has been giving variations of a workplace survey for a dozen years. Over that time, he’s noticed a strong correlation between an organization’s score on engagement-related questions and a separate query related to personal and professional growth: Can my career aspirations be achieved at this organization?
For many employees, Mr. Fitzpatrick says this means being able to visualize a clear career path. While there are some easy steps an employer can take – highlighting job openings internally, for example – Mr. Fitzpatrick says managers must also make employees aware that it is up to them to take responsibility for their own job and career.
“The onus is on both sides,” he says.
For employees, “it’s about asking questions, talking to managers, networking within the organization, figuring out who does what and how things get done.”
But as shown by many of the recipients of this year’s Employees’ Choice Awards, companies can play an active role in facilitating the process.
For seven years, the Employees’ Choice Awards have honoured the most engaged workplaces in Ottawa, based on the perceptions of workers themselves.
Over the next few days, OBJ will be profiling this year's recipients.
To participate, an organization must have more than 35 employees and achieve a statistically relevant response level. The recipients are selected based on hundreds of employee surveys.
Local organizations are invited to launch confidential employee engagement surveys, which measure everything from workers’ sense of optimism about the organization’s future, to the ability of senior leadership to communicate goals and personal growth potential.
Ten recipients are chosen, with this year’s crop coming from industries such as engineering, software and high-tech staffing.
CALCULATING ENGAGEMENT
- Is my work challenging?
- Am I proud to tell others about my employer?
- Am I optimistic about the future of my organization?
- Am I willing to put in extra effort?
- Does my organization inspire me to do my best work?
- Would I recommend my employer to others?
- Does my job provide me with a sense of personal accomplishment?
- Is there a connection between my work and the organization’s objectives?
TIPS FOR CREATING AN ENGAGED WORKPLACE
- Clearly communicate realistic and achievable goals
- Draw a link between what employees do day-to-day and the big picture
- Be visible
- Communicate job postings internally
- Clearly articulate what the organization stands for during the interview process
THE RECIPIENTS
Christie & Walther Communications
THE CEREMONY
Employees’ Choice Award recipients will be honoured at a cocktail reception on Wednesday, Feb. 13, starting at 5 p.m. at Lago Bar & Grill. Tickets are $25 for Ottawa Chamber of Commerce members and $30 for non-members. For more information, visit the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce's website.
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