Are your employees engaged like Johnny Depp?

Credit: A Templeton Photo

The internet is swarming with excitement about the engagement of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. However, Depp himself seems the most excited about the situation and he is smitten for Heard. Depp has said She's a wonderful girl. She's sharp as a tack. A southern belle and sweet as can be, and very good for me." (CBS News). What does all this have to do with employee engagement? A lot, actually. Every company should be striving to find and retain employees that are excited about the organization and invested in future goals. How does one engage employees? Embedding emotional intelligence into company culture is a good way to start...


Below are ways to show emotional intelligence toward employees and improve company culture through increased employee engagement.

The Five Languages for Engagement:

1. Verbal Recognition – A great way to show appreciation is through verbal communication. This type of communication specifically looks to praise and verbal cues which indicate they are on the right track and have done well. You may not need this, but for them the lack of it, could mean disregard, and disapproval.  Verbalize your gratitude and explain why that action was valuable to them, you and the business.
2. Sharing the load – This individual appreciates actual affirmation.  We are talking about show not tell.  Nothing weighs heavier than the willingness of a leader or a coworker to lend a helping hand, or to express acts of comradery in some way. While it is important to walk a fine line in the interest of your own work-life balance and job success, it is an absolute must to not be self-focused.  Don’t wait for someone to ask, offer to lighten the load and show your concern for their needs and development in the organization.
3. Quality Time – For this type of employee, days off and flex-time are very important. Occasionally offering days off, can really communicate your respect for work-life balance as well as your appreciation of the employee. Establishing a flex-time work schedule is a similar method. In fact, research has shown that many employees with family obligations work more effectively out of work.  Furthermore, as the number of highly-educated women entering the workforce increases, there will be more demand for them to have flexibility in their hours (Wall Street Journal and WhiteHouse.gov).
4. Giving Gifts – This type of individual enjoys gift receiving more than all others in feeling appreciated and valued.   Taking the time to know whether your employee is interested in joining the gym and offering them a free gym membership, or getting a gift card to their favorite restaurant will speak to their needs.
5. Inviting Input – For some individuals recognition takes the form of achievement.  A seat at the leadership table is no small thing. As a stake-holder in the company, this individual would like to know they are talented. Your willingness to both ask for their input and utilize their advice truly communicates their importance. In the same way, additional leadership responsibilities show trust in their capabilities, which walks hand in hand with their drive for achievement.