Articles | An Engaged Team is a High Performing Team

 

 

 

Aspire

 

Our goal as the industry’s only dedicated CPD provider is to support your future. We keep you updated, keep you informed and keep you motivated. We provide you with the people, the opportunity, the expertise and the training to take you from where you are, to where you want to be.

 

 

 

 

Articles

See latest updates below;


ICI Administrator

Author

Specify Alternate Text

An Engaged Team is a High Performing Team

By Josh Hallam, General Manager, Institute of Civil Infrastructure

 

 

 

Employee engagement is crucial to the success of a civil infrastructure project and the success of a business in the long run. In a civil construction business, an engaged team member cares about their employer’s brand and objectives, and is driven every day to deliver key project outcomes on time and on budget. A business that has a low level of employee engagement shows high levels of employee turnover, high absenteeism and makes more costly mistakes.

According to Gallup, the global leader in this space, Australia is one of the worst performing countries with only 14% of the workforce[1] classified as “engaged”. In the civil infrastructure industry, the key elements to drive high engagement in your team are safety, input in decision making, a commitment to professional development and open communication.

Safety, perhaps an obvious one, is ultimately the most important. If a team member does not feel safe in the workplace, how can they possibly be 100% engaged in their work? As a leader, it is important to not just tick the safety box, but work with your team to allay any safety concerns, whether they be physical, mental or emotional.

For a team member, there is a big difference in doing what you are told to do versus completing an agreed task toward project success. By involving your team members in aspects of decision-making, you are showing that you value their input and their skills. Their role in the team provides a unique perspective that can assist in making a better decision or at the very least, provide them with a learning opportunity.

An engaged team member is looking to grow, to develop their skills and to progress. Providing them with opportunities to achieve these elements through training and development shows a level of commitment to their career. As a leader, you want a committed team that delivers everyday right? Well, the same can be said for a worker – they want an employer that is committed to them and their career path on a regular basis. Providing opportunities to train and develop in areas above and beyond legislative requirements shows you’re invested in your team and value their growth. This in turn leads to an increased commitment, stronger retention and higher performance.

Finally, open and regular communication with your team provides opportunities to motivate, inspire and inform them. Don’t wait for the annual review  to discuss achievements and areas of development, engage in ongoing dialogue. If you are open with your team and provide clarity in your communication, they will be open with you which will lead to a more effective working relationship.

 

[1] State of the Global Workplace Gallup Report 2017

 

Comment (0)



Comments are closed.

Sign up to Aspire

Aspire, The Institute’s e-Magazine provides you with exclusive, up to date and useful content for your career and your life in the Australian Civil Industry.