As a leader in the workplace, you have a direct responsibility toward your employees. You’re more than a boss or supervisor. You’re their guide to empowerment!
Key Takeaways:
- Employees know how to hold themselves accountable
- Makes room for creative thinking and new ideas
- Productivity and engagement vastly improve when empowerment is prioritized
- Opens the door to increased employee satisfaction
- Welcomes teamwork and collaboration between employees
- Establishes trust in organization leaders and managers
- Retains top talent and the best performers
But what exactly is employee empowerment, and why does it matter? Keep reading, and I’ll let you know.
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Why You Need To EMPOWER Employees
Employee empowerment is about trusting your team instead of micromanaging them. It’s about giving them the tools to succeed on their own using their own mastered skills and talent.
When employees feel empowered, they can work independently and have greater power when making decisions. But just how deep do the benefits of employee empowerment go?
#1. Empowered Employees Hold Themselves Accountable
Accountability is a necessary skill to have in the workplace. Organizations that prioritize accountability and responsibility for one’s actions help ensure that tasks are completed thoughtfully and efficiently.
So, when organizations empower their employees, they are helping them obtain personal accountability.
Employees will be able to fully understand the direct impact of their own decisions.
And the benefits of accountability don’t end there. Accountability also promotes effective decision-making, greater feelings of commitment, and improved workplace relationships.
#2. Makes Room For Creative Thinking
The workplace isn’t just about counting down until five o’clock. It’s a great place to explore new ideas and discover innovation.
Encouraging employees to think independently leads to empowerment. And this is when their unique talents and skills can really shine!
Freedom in the workplace is the foundation of new ideas and methodology. And empowering employees means giving them this freedom.
Empowerment leads to increased employee creativity. And that’s how all great ideas begin!
#3. Productivity And Employee Engagement Skyrocket
A study by Zenger Folkman has shown that low levels of employee empowerment lead to low productivity levels in the workplace.
On the flip side, empowerment leads to higher levels of confidence, self-esteem, and focus.
This is the backbone of employee productivity and engagement. Employees who feel confident and empowered understand that their work matters.
Empowerment Helps Employees Find Purpose
When it comes down to it, empowered employees give it their all! Empowerment ensures employees stay engaged and productive and continue to hold themselves accountable.
Plus, from a business perspective, empowering employees can mean tremendous organizational success.
As a corporate emcee, I’ve seen organizations often utilize creative freedom to enhance their employees’ roles, thus getting greater productivity in return.
It’s a great way for both sides to win!
#4. Opens The Door To Increased Employee Satisfaction
It’s critical that organizations work to cultivate a positive work environment and keep their employees happy. This helps establish a productive and healthy team while promoting excellent business practices.
Employee empowerment means greater freedom when making decisions and promotes increased levels of confidence. These are the makings of satisfied employees.
Bonus: 5 Reasons Why Logos Is Important For An Effective Speech
#5. Welcomes Collaboration And Teamwork
If employees feel closed off and disconnected from their roles, responsibilities, and organization, it’s hard for anyone to get along. And teamwork is critical in the workplace to ensure that everything runs smoothly and people stay happy.
Cultivating a culture that prioritizes teamwork and employee collaboration is essential. All employees need to work together like the parts of a well-oiled machine. That’s how things get done!
Individual Empowerment And Team Collaboration Go Hand-In-Hand
This is where employee empowerment comes into play.
When team members feel encouraged and driven to be creative and innovate, it helps them understand the necessity of teamwork.
Empowerment and collaboration are critical parts of establishing success. Without it, it’s hard for a company to remain cohesive in their workplace goals.
#6. Establishes Trust In Business Leaders
Empowerment happens on all levels. Each and every employee has a responsibility toward this critical practice.
But it’s up to managers and leaders to give their teams the initial push to discover their power. After all, leadership is usually the side that designates roles and responsibilities.
When leaders and managers give their employees the power to make decisions independently, it helps establish a bond between each party. And this is how workplace trust thrives.
With increased levels of employee empowerment, it’s easier for employees to find trust in leadership. This is because trust goes both ways.
Trust Is A Two-Way Street
Leaders must establish a certain level of trust in their employees when allocating their creative freedom. Giving employees increased power means trusting them to do an excellent job.
And when leaders express this level of profound trust, employees recognize it. In turn, they trust leadership back.
All in all, trust is like an infinite circle. And empowerment is what keeps it spinning.
#7. Retains The Top Talent
Empowerment helps employees realize what they’re good at and what they’re best at. It helps them discover new aspects of themselves professionally. And it encourages them to have fun at work!
It’s no secret that employee empowerment leads to a positive, supportive, and engaging workplace. Therefore, utilizing empowerment is critical for any company to be successful.
The Best way To Establish Success As A Company
When employees feel like they are playing to their own strengths, they feel more satisfied, content, and happy with where they are. And everyone knows that’s a good thing!
This leads to greater employee retention.
Companies with high performers and top talent need to find ways to retain these exceptional employees. And keeping them happy by empowering them is perhaps the best way to do so.
Wrapping Up
Employee empowerment is about more than just giving your team an extra task or two. It’s about creating an atmosphere that helps them reach their maximum potential.
And as a leader, you’re the spark to their passionate flame!
Keep Reading: 8 Ways To Create A Positive Workplace Culture
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Adam Christing has been called “The Tom Brady of emcees.” He has hosted more than 1,000 company meetings, special events, gala celebrations, and more. He is the author of several books and founder of CleanComedians.com. For more event tips, follow Adam Christing on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
