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Improving employee engagement is not just a matter of how supervisors treat employees but also how employees treat each other, the MSPB said in a new publication.
“Most work and workplaces involve elements of stress and emotional labor. The good news is that support from coworkers and a collegial workplace can make such challenges more manageable, and leaders can take positive actions in that direction,” it said. It suggested (in its words):
• Train staff in people management skills. Work and work relationships can be challenging. Strengthening listening and communication skills can help employees feel “heard” and discuss work matters honestly and constructively.
• Be cautious about creating goals and incentives that encourage employees to compete rather than cooperate. Shared goals and incentives may promote more collaboration and, over time, higher organizational performance.
• Make work roles and responsibilities clear to the extent practical. Clarity helps prevent “my job versus your job” conflicts, such as disagreements over work assignments and accountability.
• Reward and recognize team performance, but base recognition on team members’ contributions to goal accomplishment and good team dynamics.
• Invest in onboarding. Effective programs—with features such as mentoring, check-ins, and oversight—can help new employees feel both welcome and productive.
• Monitor work unit turnover and climate measures (such as employee survey results) that may be indicators of workplace stress and work unit cohesion difficulty. Although turnover is a lagging and imperfect indicator, sudden changes may signal workplace distress. Leaders may also capitalize on perennial measures such as the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey to more routinely gauge workplace stress.
• Encourage informal and inclusive socializing to help employees better understand others’ interests, skills, and work styles. Activities that are low-key and less-planned may be more welcome (and effective) than elaborate team building exercises or obligatory social events.
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