Companies with hybrid workforce focus on staff engagement initiatives
companies that champion hybrid and flexible work options are increasingly focusing on employee engagement initiatives to reduce the disconnect and boost productivity.
Company executives ET spoke with said the “disconnect” is not only impacting collaboration and productivity, but also leading to lack of bonding. The employee engagement initiatives are seen benefiting all, especially the younger workers who had taken up their first job around the time people were asked to work remotely due to the pandemic, they said.
NatWest Group, Tech Mahindra, EY, and Capgemini are among the companies that have launched a host of initiatives, including frequent team catch-ups, in-person group sessions, “fun-at-work” and sports events, and assigning “buddies” to the new employees--all aimed at promoting cohesiveness at work and improving productivity.
For instance, NatWest Group has so far organised more than 40 in-person group sessions for employees who joined during the pandemic.
“We realised that the 7,000-plus colleagues who joined us virtually during the pandemic had missed the opportunity to deepen relationships and build connections,” said Maneesh Menda, head of human resources, international hubs, NatWest Group.
“This was part of our strategy to engage them.”
The members of NatWest Group’s leadership team also participated in these sessions and the multiple ‘fun at work’ and sports events the company had organised to help colleagues bolster relationships and network.
According to a recent Employee Experience survey by Qualtrics, 83% of the new hires who participated in the survey reported lower engagement at work, indicating a decline in the 'first-year experience’. Moreover, only 24% of them affirmed their 'intent to
