Effectory International’s study of 46 European multinational organisations has uncovered that board of directors (including C level) account for a ninefold difference in employee engagement and commitment.
Insights gained from employee survey analysis reveal that when employees have confidence in the board, they are nine times more likely to be engaged in their work and committed to the organisation.
Alarmingly for CEOs, just 15 percent of employees in the UK and Ireland currently have complete confidence in the board of their organisation.
“C-level and boards often don’t realise the direct impact they have on employee engagement and commitment,” says Arne Barends, Director, Effectory International. “Many are focused on the financials and high level strategy, and in the process overlook contact with employees at the ground level. What the best senior managers do is connect with employees by being visible in the organisation, they convey a clear vision and inspire trust through transparent communication.”
High levels of employee engagement and commitment continue to be much sought-after by CEOs and organisations, especially as the two are linked to higher business performance, reduced staff turnover and increased efficiency. Expenditure on engagement related activities continues, yet the study’s findings show that the impact of initiatives may be going to waste if C–level and senior management fail to inspire confidence in employees.
The study revealed that 31 percent of employees in multinationals are currently engaged and committed. Effectory International found that the two themes are driven by four influencers: Employees fitting in, work that energises, clear indication of performance objectives from managers and managers telling employees that they perform well. Whilst work is needed on three of the four influencers, encouragingly 79 percent of employees in multinationals feel they fit in.
