What actions lead to high levels of employee engagement and motivation during challenging times?
Give employees as much control as possible over their work. “The more decision-making authority employees have in their work and the more they can determine how to execute the directives passed down from senior management, the more pressures and work demands they can handle without becoming stressed,” explained Lee. “You do this by designing as much decision-making authority and flexibility into their jobs as possible—according to their skills, experience and maturity level.” Stotz added, “Use your reward and recognition programs to help employees focus on what they do have control over—their own performance—and how this connects to company-wide goals.” Help your employees build self-efficacy and feel the “thrill of victory.” “People with a high degree of self-efficacy welcome challenge. They find it exciting, rather than something to be avoided,” said Lee. “Building self-efficacy is like strength training: You grow stronger through challenge.” Keep the dream alive and celebrate your w