What do we mean by employee involvement? Being a committed employee means that you have a positive attitude toward the organization and toward the work that you do. If necessary, you’ll go the extra mile. You are aware of the organization’s goals and you know what is expected of you. You are attentive to your working environment and to your colleagues. When you see opportunities that may contribute to the performance of your team or your organization, you make it possible to discuss them.
The importance of involvement
Your organization benefits from employees who feel involved. Involved employees perform better and are ill less often. A team with actively involved employees is 43% more productive than a team where involvement is lacking. Research also shows that an actively involved employee is more loyal to the organization, and will therefore stay longer with the same employer. And of course, committed employees serve as a calling card for the organization, for they talk about their work and about their organization in a positive manner.
What can you do to increase your involvement?
If you notice feeling less involved in your work and in your organization than you would like, you can do something about it. Research has revealed a number of factors which have an impact on employee involvement.
You must feel safe at work. Because only then you are not afraid to make mistakes, to offer your opinion and constructive criticism and to deviate from the prevalent norms and customs. Ask yourself whether you feel safe at work; and, if not, ask yourself why that is and what you can do about it. You will find that your work gives you more pleasure, in an environment where you feel free and safe.
Consider it normal to discuss your ambitions. Make it known when you think you are ready for the next step or for something more challenging. But be realistic about this, and give your employer the opportunity to offer you that next challenge, that will keep you sharp.
Set an attractive, ambitious but achievable goal for yourself. It motivates and it contributes to a sense of purpose in your work, when you work toward a goal. Every step, however small, nearer to your objective is a success.
Be a “glass half-full” person. Perfectionism can get in the way of a lot of fun. Don’t only focus on “what still has to be done”, and “what is still not right”. Also enjoy what has been achieved and what has already been realized. Celebrate your successes and don’t always set the bar (too) high. Approach yourself and the people around you in a positive manner.
Feel free to be yourself. Autonomy is a valuable thing to have. It has a choking and exhausting effect, when you are expected to play a role instead of being yourself. The question is, though, whether that role is really expected of you, or whether you think that it is expected of you… For a couple of days, just be your normal self and see how that works out.