Most doctor visits often include the routine practice of taking a patient’s pulse at the onset of a medical appointment. Whether the business performance of that physician practice is profitable or not, taking one’s pulse is fairly standard. Understanding the “vital” signs of their patients’ is a relevant piece of information that a physician needs in order to thoroughly understand the operating system and to recommend effective diagnosis and treatment of a patient.
While many organizations have realized significant slumps in business and lower morale, one vital sign that is critical to understanding is how their People Portfolio is directly impacting the overall business performance via an employee engagement survey. Taking the pulse on employee engagement when the economy is down helps organizations and leaders more honestly understand what would make their employees feel more connected to the organization. Having a well thought-out business strategy may be helpful in preparing for growth, but face risk of derailment if concentrations of disengagement are high. What ratio (pulse) of engaged to disengaged employees exist currently? And why?
Before plunging into any survey, it’s critical for business leaders and HR to first define engagement. Many vendors and employers have different definitions which may not apply to every organization. Ensure engagement surveys are measuring the elements that identify employees’ tendencies to exert discretionary effort for the benefit of the organization and the extent to which they feel personally connected. Those are the tendencies that encourage employees to go above and beyond and deliver outstanding performance results and improves business productivity. Engagement should not to be confused with Employee Satisfaction, which mainly measures pay and benefits – elements that a company has control over, or Employee Opinion Surveys that provides feedback on how an organization is doing on broad initiatives that leaders identify as important. Although, value exists in both of those surveys, Employee Engagement provides opportunity to understand the employee’s daily work and culture, the probability of wanting to stay with the company and speak highly of them and how it all affects productivity.
Feedback received from an Employee Engagement Survey provides business leaders with key insights that measure states of mind, enabling pro-active decision making and will aid in making changes employees can see. However, before taking the pulse on Employee Engagement, organizations will need to ask themselves, “What is the intent of what you’ll do with the results?”
Business leaders that find consensus on the above question and are committed to act will begin to favorably improve their organization’s return on shareholder and workforce value.
![iStock_000007599747Small[1]buswomportfolio](http://www.theinfusiongroupllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/iStock_000007599747Small1buswomportfolio-150x150.jpg "iStock_000007599747Small[1]buswomportfolio")
organization, its customers and themselves. Creating a personal portfolio isn’t just for employees new to the workplace; it’s especially beneficial for those who have been in the work force for a number of years and for those who are considering entrepreneurship. Often, a talent or learned skill may be tucked away and underutilized, which points to opportunities for employees to grow further and contribute in even more meaningful ways. Employees who may lack initiative in determining their portfolio may be limiting the organization and their own potential. There are a number of helpful online resources, career counselors, and books available to assist employees in strengthening their portfolio.
How actual work gets done, where it may get done and with whom we need to work to get it done is changing. The ability to sift through those issues is the hallmark of a relationship builder. Employees who demonstrate respect toward others, have interpersonal skills that can foster trust, and collaborate well with others throughout the organization will have an edge. 
ng goals, they activate the third characteristic, learner. Being a learner not only increases an employee’s confidence and sparks energy; it also increases knowledge and the potential for different projects or assignments throughout an organization. Learning a second language, mastering a new technology, or reading a new book on the company’s industry enlightens the mind and increases opportunities to build relationships with others.
elp others increase their comfort with these tools.![iStock_000009966147Small[1]mature students learning](http://www.theinfusiongroupllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/iStock_000009966147Small1mature-students-learning-150x150.jpg "iStock_000009966147Small[1]mature students learning")
workers need to anticipate change with courage. Taking initiative to learn new skills and technologies while enhancing talents is an investment that will provide returns throughout an employee’s lifetime. While it’s impossible to predict the future of work specifically, we must confront the current realities and respond with appropriate action toward the direction of the changing workplace.
Globalization, innovative technologies, demographics, economic and societal shifts, mergers and acquisitions are changing the way people work, where they work and will be managed in the future. Work will involve greater project orientation, networks of independent contractors (many who will legally work outside their country), customized career tracks, virtual collaboration, and talent sharing. Growing trends of co-working centers, community business centers and work-from-home practices are on the rise, according to Telework Trendlines 2009 report by WorldatWork. It may not be long before we see more managerial talent join an organization for a one-year or two-year contract and then move forward as highlighted in HR Magazine.
Seeds of Greatness![iStock_000010354334Small[1]busmencomfortingothers](http://www.theinfusiongroupllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/iStock_000010354334Small1busmencomfortingothers-150x150.jpg "iStock_000010354334Small[1]busmencomfortingothers")
