Introduction

In recent years, the business world has reached a consensus: Employee engagement is good for the bottom line. It's a simple equation, really: If you can't satisfy the demands of your clients or customers, you're going to lose business. And the way to reach extraordinary levels of client and customer service is through engaged employees.

Employees’ dedication speaks volumes to clients and customers. Not to be clichéd, but a company's employees truly are its greatest asset! Most leaders understand this connection on an intellectual level, but they often struggle with what to do to foster this type of dedication. Enter employee engagement . . . and this book!

Coming across such a universally agreed-upon “win-win” is rare, but employee engagement truly benefits everyone — including management. Why? Because it boosts discretionary effort, or employees who go above and beyond, which in turn drives superior business results. I would even go so far as to say that employee engagement is the foundation of a healthy organization.

And yet, many organizations haven't added employee engagement to their list of key objectives. According to a 2013 study by the human capital technology firm SilkRoad, less than 40 percent of companies focus on employee engagement at all. And those that do often view it as a “program.” But the fact is, engaging employees requires a cultural shift — a change in how things are done and communicated from the top to the bottom of your organization.

Engaging your employees won't be easy, and it will take time. But when it occurs, the results will astonish you! How do I know? Because I've worked for and with large global companies to boost employee engagement and have experienced firsthand what happens when you capture your employees’ discretionary effort. It's magic!

About This Book

Above all, Employee Engagement For Dummies is a reference tool. You don't have to read it from beginning to end. If you prefer, you can turn to any part of the book that gives you the information you need, when you need it.

In addition, you can keep coming back to the book over and over. If you prefer to read things in order, you'll find that the information is presented in a natural, logical progression.

Sometimes I have information that I want to share with you, but it relates only tangentially to the topic at hand. When that happens, I place that information in a sidebar (a shaded gray box). Even though it may not be mission critical, I think you'll find it worth knowing. But you don't have to read it if you don't want to.

Within this book, you may note that some web addresses break across two lines of text. If you're reading this book in print and want to visit one of these web pages, simply key in the web address exactly as it's noted in the text, pretending as though the line break doesn't exist. If you're reading this as an e-book, you've got it easy — just click the web address to be taken directly to the web page.

Foolish Assumptions

You don't need an MBA to understand the contents of this book. It's written in conversational, jargon-free prose. However, you'll note that much of the advice in this text is geared toward those in management. In other words, its focus is on engaging others more than on engaging oneself.

That said, the principles and best practices outlined in this book apply to everyone. So, even if you manage no one, you'll find loads of tips and ideas in this book that will help you boost your own personal engagement level. Who knows, after reading this book, your raised level of engagement may even be the boost you need to reach new career heights!

Icons Used in This Book

Icons are those little pictures you see in the margins throughout this book, and they're meant to draw your attention to key points that can help you along the way. Here's a list of the icons we use and what they signify:

When you see this icon in the margin, the paragraph next to it contains valuable information that will help make your life easier.

Some information is so important that it needs to be set apart for emphasis. This icon — like a string tied around your finger — is a friendly reminder of info that you'll want to commit to memory and use over the long haul.

This icon highlights common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid. An important part of achieving success is simply eliminating the mistakes; the information marked by this icon helps you do just that.

On occasion, I use real-world examples to illustrate the topic at hand. When I do, I mark them with this icon.

Beyond the Book

In addition to the material in the print or e-book you're reading right now, this product also comes with some access-anywhere goodies on the web. Check out the free Cheat Sheet at www.dummies.com/cheatsheet/employeeengagement for tips on conducting an employee engagement survey, suggestions for identifying your “engagement ambassadors,” and tips on engaging employees by engaging their spouses. You'll also find links on each of the part intro pages for accessing additional content, including articles on establishing a corporate university, using social media in your recruitment efforts, establishing an employee engagement committee, and more.

Where to Go from Here

This book isn't linear. Although you certainly can read it from cover to cover, you don't have to. You can start anywhere!

Glance through the Table of Contents and find the part, chapter, or section that flips your switch. That's the best place to begin. If you're already sold on employee engagement and you want some ideas for launching your own program, turn straight to Part II. If you're keen to gauge the level of engagement at your own organization, start with Chapter 3. If you're in hiring mode, Chapter 12 — which discusses the traits and behaviors of engaged employees — is a great place to start. Or you might turn to Chapter 16 for info on revamping your performance appraisal process to boost engagement. Finally, the resources I list in Chapter 20 of this book can further enrich your understanding of employee engagement.

When you're finished reading this book, feel free to check out my company's website (www.employeeengagement.com). On the Resources page of the site, you'll find links to loads of engagement blogs, articles, case studies, resources, and suggested videos and readings, all free of charge.