Should I Be Working For YOU? A Speech on Employee Engagement.

       As a part of my public speaking class, I was required to present a four minute persuasive speech on Employee Engagement. I was to convince not only my batch mates on my views but as well the passer’s by. That is correct, our class was presenting speeches in downtown Toronto at the Union GO bus terminal. Since I received a good feedback on the essentials of my speech (which was to include providing a pithy title, a made-up word, an alliteration/onomatopoeia and sign posts), I thought of placing my views on employee engagement here.

 Should I be working for YOU?

Introduction

As a student of Corporate Communications at Seneca College, I am preparing for a career in public relations. I am the “Corpcommakazi” (made-up word) with a big question. Who should I be working for?? Should I be working for a company that takes pride in keeping their employees happy? OH ABSOLUTELY!  I want to be a part of an organization that is well recognized for its success in promoting a corporate culture which in turn is responsible for adding value to an existing company image.

Branding

When I hear of brands like Johnson & Johnson and Emirates Airlines, what comes to mind? I think of certain images, certain experiences or values attached to those names. That is the power of a strong brand. Today promoting a business is a well crafted strategy and branding is the key component used not just as a marketing tool for selling products or services, but is even used to attract future employees like me.

 

So how will You as an organization strengthen your BRAND?

-By keeping employees like me more engaged in your corporate culture. Studies show that engaged employees impact the overall image and profitability of a business.

Definition

Although there are many definitions, Schaufeli and Bakker (2004) proclaim employee engagement to be a “Positive, fulfilling, work-related state of mind that is characterized by vigour, dedication and absorption.

According to Bendapudi & Bendapudi, (2005), engaged employees are the living brand of the organization.  Hardaker & Fill claim that when employees identify with and reflect the organizational values, they become active messengers of the corporate brand that they work for.

 

How can engaging me as an employee benefit you as the employer?

Research has proved that employees are more satisfied and less likely to quit if they are emotionally connected to people they work with.

Now let’s discuss how You as an organization can encourage employee engagement?

1)    By fostering a two way communication process between employees and management. I would certainly show my loyalty and commitment to my management if my manager had faith in me and valued my suggestions.

2)    Social support from co-workers and immediate supervisors is critical.  If I have good friends at work and I feel secure working for my manager, I would definitely have a positive attitude that would reflect in a stronger commitment towards my employer.

3)    Enhancing the quality of work relationships can impact high performance levels. By encouraging mentorship and performance feedback sessions, You would inspire me. By providing career development programs and healthcare packages, you will motivate me to perform better.

4)    An engaged employee lives and breathes the corporate culture. When I identify with the core principles of my company vision, I live as the proud ambassador ready to commit, ready to perform and ready to protect my company image.

In conclusion I would like to add:

Building a strong corporate brand begins with employee branding. The bottom line is, do not forget your employees. Do not forget me. Depending on how engaged I am in my job, I could better your communications strategy, I could build your brand reputation and I could definitely enhance your overall business.