Engagement, it’s personal!

As a business leader, I’ve always believed that the most important thing in any organisation is its people. Sure, we talk about strategies, goals, and profits, but when it comes down to it, it’s the individuals within the organisation who breathe life into those numbers and plans. Ever since I first was involved in employee engagement it was never just a buzzword or a corporate initiative – it’s a personal philosophy that I hold dear, at a personal level.

First and foremost, I’ve always enjoyed work when I’ve had a genuine connection to what I’m doing. I believe that work should be more than just about money; it should be a source of fulfilment and purpose. When I think back in my career (and actually life in general) when I have been able see how my efforts contributed to a bigger picture, when I felt that I made a difference and that what I did truly mattered, it was a game-changer. That’s why I’m so passionate about employee engagement.

In my role, I have the privilege of witnessing first-hand how our survey research and employee engagement work positively affects so many organisations. It’s more than just data and reports; it’s about helping people, teams, and entire companies thrive. Knowing that our work has a ripple effect and helps others create better workplaces is personally rewarding beyond measure.

But it’s not just about the impact on other organisations; it’s also about how we treat individuals within our own business, The Survey Initiative. We are all unique, and we all have good and bad days. Recognising and respecting the individuality of each team member is a non-negotiable for me. We’re not just employees; we’re human beings with families, passions, and dreams outside of work. Allowing people to bring their true selves to the workplace fosters an environment where authenticity and growth can flourish.

One of the aspects of my role that brings me immense joy is giving our team the opportunity to work on enriching research projects. It’s about more than just hitting targets and meeting deadlines; it’s about nurturing a passion for learning and discovery. I believe that when people are genuinely interested in what they’re doing, they not only excel at it but also find deep satisfaction in their work.

Equally important is providing our team members with the chance to develop personally and professionally during their time with us. Seeing them grow, learn, and gain valuable skills is a source of immense pride. We’ve witnessed many of our team members use the skills they’ve acquired with us as a steppingstone to move on and up in their careers, and that’s fantastic. It’s a testament to the nurturing and growth-oriented culture we’ve cultivated.

As I reflect on my journey as a business leader, I’ve come to realise that my personal values align closely with the principles of employee engagement. It’s about connection, purpose, authenticity, growth, and making a positive impact, both within our organisation, the broader world of work and beyond.

So, why does employee engagement matter to me personally? It’s because it embodies the essence of what I believe in as a business leader – that people are at the heart of every success story. When we create workplaces where individuals thrive, where their contributions matter, and where they grow both professionally and personally, we not only build successful organisations but also create a brighter, more fulfilling future for everyone involved.

Here’s to the belief that work can be more than a job; it can be a source of inspiration and a platform for positive change.

If you’d like to talk to Gary about engagement please do contact us. He will be happy to talk to you about how we can help with your employee engagement survey. Our employee survey services also deliver employee insights through 360 feedback surveys, pulse surveys, employment surveys and a variety of other staff surveys. We look forward to hearing from you!