The term employee empowerment is often considered a buzzword. However, when implemented effectively, the concept is powerful enough to transform organizations. Employee empowerment refers to companies giving their workforce a voice and greater autonomy. When managers lead through empowerment, it doesn’t mean leaving employees alone. Instead, it requires leaders to inspire, motivate and coach their employees.
Studies show that employee empowerment is associated with a wide range of positive employee outcomes, including improved job satisfaction, organizational commitment and performance. Empowering employees also strengthens their connection to the company’s mission and vision. When this happens, you have a more engaged workforce.
From yielding innovative ideas to encouraging greater productivity, employee empowerment has numerous advantages. Let’s review the benefits, plus how to create a supportive company culture where employees feel respected and valued.
5 Benefits Of Employee Empowerment
Prioritization of employee empowerment can have a profound positive impact on organizations and their workforce.
1.) Increases Employee Engagement And Productivity
When employees feel empowered, engagement increases. Research published in Forbes measured empowerment and engagement data from more than 7,000 employees. Employees who felt a low level of empowerment were rated with engagement at the 24th percentile, whereas those with a high level of empowerment were at the 79th percentile. Employees who have more control over their work feel a greater sense of ownership. This feeling of empowerment enables them to take the initiative and make decisions more quickly. Because they are more invested, they contribute additional effort, which increases productivity. A study from training firm Zenger Folkman found that only 4% of workers are willing to give additional effort when empowerment is low, but 67% are eager when empowerment is high.
2.) Strengthens Trust In Leadership
A meta-analysis published in Harvard Business Review shows that leaders who practice employee empowerment are more likely to be trusted by their workforce. Empowered workers feel they work in a safe, secure environment where leaders won’t take advantage of them. That situation results in teams that feel supported to perform at their best.
3.) Enhances Employee Creativity
The same Harvard Business Review analysis shows that leaders who empower employees are more likely to have teams rated as being highly creative. This type of leadership encourages workers to think for themselves and devise innovative ways of doing things. Empowered employees are more likely to be confident and demonstrate ingenuity and initiative to achieve their goals. In addition, they are more likely to exceed the current scope of their role and volunteer for additional assignments.
4.) Boosts Employee Loyalty
When employees feel detached and unmotivated, it is easier to consider leaving the company for other job opportunities. Yet, organizations practicing employee empowerment are more likely to retain employees. When workers feel valued and are given autonomy, they are more satisfied with their roles. As a result, they remain committed to the organization, which results in lower employee turnover.
5.) Leads To A Better Customer Experience
Employee empowerment also impacts the customer experience. When employees feel engaged and motivated, it results in superior customer support and satisfaction. One reason is that they can solve problems themselves rather than rely on manager oversight or approval. That way, customer service efficiency is improved while managers have time to focus on other tasks. When employees feel empowered, they also go above and beyond, which results in a more positive customer experience.
How To Create A Culture Of Employee Empowerment
Employee empowerment is becoming increasingly more relevant in today’s work landscape. These techniques will help create a culture where your teams feel heard and valued.
Commit To Organizational Transparency
One key component of an employee empowerment culture is creating trust and transparency. Ensure employees understand what is expected of them and encourage the exchange of ideas. Build trust by creating a two-way communication flow. Employees should feel safe and secure enough to share their thoughts in open forums or online platforms. Ask teams to not only inform you of problems but also offer suggestions for potential solutions.
Show How Roles Align With Business Goals
When employees understand how their work is tied to the organization’s mission, they are more likely to feel engaged and motivated. To accomplish this, ensure team members clearly understand their roles and responsibilities. This includes knowing how their contributions impact the company’s overall goals. That way, your workforce understands how their work fits into the bigger picture.
Provide Career Development Opportunities
Employee empowerment also involves providing career planning and development opportunities. This includes allowing workers to move up in the organization or grow in other ways. In addition to promotions, internal mobility should be encouraged by offering lateral opportunities. Temporary job swapping or shadowing are other possibilities. Finally, offer training and mentorship so employees can enhance their skills. These programs help them feel supported and confident enough to take on new challenges.
Recognize And Celebrate Employee Achievements
To feel empowered, employees need to receive the appreciation they deserve through recognition and rewards. In fact, Gallup data shows that workers are four times as likely to be engaged if they strongly agree to receiving the right amount of recognition for their efforts. Recognition can be in the form of verbal praise or more tangible items like gift cards and bonuses. Even experiential rewards—non-monetary gifts that give employees memorable experiences—can make people feel valued. Some creative examples of experiences include a spa day, a cooking class or exclusive access to an event.
Employee empowerment isn’t just something to focus on in the short term. It’s a long-term goal that requires leadership commitment to cultural change. Once you make empowerment part of your management approach, you’ll enjoy the transformative advantages that make it a strategy for success.