N4L 089: "1001 Ways to Engage Employees" by Bob Nelson, PhD

SUMMARY Dr. Bob Nelson (AKA “The Guru of Thank You”) shares his third book, 1001 Ways to Engage Employees. Although Gallup originated employee engagement identifiers, Nelson bases his findings on research from HR Solutions conducted among 6 million employees. Now, having sold 5 million books on management, Nelson boasts working with 80 percent of the Fortune 500 companies and presenting on six continents. As the leading authority on employee recognition, he’s gathered the ten top drivers of employee engagement and hundreds of anecdotes to illustrate how to “Help People Do Better What They Do Best.” KEY POINTS To attract good talent, you have to find ways to increase employee engagement. Recognition (feeling valued) is the key element in an engaging environment and the most powerful motivator by far. All the top motivators are behavioral and don’t require a big budget. About 75% of workers are millennials, and 88% say money is not the top motivator. To engage employees, base rewards on their performance, not their presence. Obligatory award programs, such as “Employee-of-the-Month,” can turn sour and boring in short order. To enhance employee engagement, ask, “If we could do something about that, what would it look like?” “Label & Link,” a strategy from American Express, connects employees to tasks that specifically interest them and can align their aspirations with the needs of the organization. Knowing ‘why we do our work’ is critical to increasing employee engagement. 92% of employees want to be involved in decision-making. QUOTES FROM NELSON “What you’re paid sets your standard of living; your benefits give you security should something happen. But what motivates you at work and to come to work and do your best work is recognition.” “The average worker spends fifteen percent of their time at home complaining about their boss.” “We learn from the Japanese that ‘the slower you go, the faster you get there.’” “The larger or older an organization is, the harder it is to bring that sense of recognition to bear.” “Praise progress towards the end goal you want, and you’ll get there!” BUY 1,001 Ways to Engage Employees: Help People Do Better What They Do Best by Dr. Bob Nelson RECOMMENDATIONS Peruse the 2018 Winners of Fortune 100 Best Companies Fortune 100 Best Companies listed by Great Places to Work Connect with Nonfiction4Life!  Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube Website Special thanks… Music Credit Sound Editing Credit