Why some companies need to re-engage their players and others don't
When I walk into a Starbucks I see happy employees; people having a good time. Employee engagement and employee morale is high. I see the same things at places like Trader Joe’s, Outback Steakhouse, and the Apple Store. People seem to be enjoying their work and having fun creating a fun and pleasurable experience for the customer. And whether it be funny uniforms, sitting on my lap, flowered shirts, or gadgets to play with; I see two things – employees and customers who are engaged in the product or service.
But it makes you wonder……..What is the tone back at the home office?
When you walk into a McDonald’s you see bright colors, play places, and perhaps even a Ronald McDonald. When I spoke at their headquarters earlier this year I saw row after row of cubicles with uptight office furniture; perhaps even inhabited by uptight people? When I visit parks and recreation facilities I see fun playful environments. When I go to visit their administrative offices…….Well you know what I usually see – and it is often times anything but fun and recreational. Terror Train
There is a lot to be learned about engaging or re-engaging all levels of employees by looking at the employees and customers at the locations where your revenue is generated. Wouldn’t it have been fun to be greeted at the door by Ronald McDonald when I walked in to Corporate HQ? Heck, if I worked there I would even volunteer to do it a few times a month. Wouldn’t it be cool if I had to shoot a basket or do a quick bit of recreation as a requirement for entrance to my job at the parks and recreation office? I wonder if people at Starbucks HQ are taking turns making coffee drinks for their office mates? I’m sure the product development people might be doing these types of things, but what about the accounting types? The administrative types? The technology folks?
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Years ago I worked for a travel service. I was a financial type back then, but when I walked in to work each day I was reminded of all the cool places out there to see. I smiled and dreamed. Everywhere I turned there was something to remind me of the sexiness of travel. I was engaged in my work all the time and proud of the service we provided. Now I also worked for a cement manufacturer. The big cement ”tomb” when you walked off the elevators also reminded me to keep myself engaged in my work……………..or else.
What’s the excitement of your company product or service? What is it about that product or service that makes you proud? Where are the reminders of what you do and who you do it for? Or is your work area a cold, stale, non-descript environment that is anything but engaging? Now I am more than happy to help organizations re-engage their people, but here are some simple thoughts to get you thinking how you might be able to start the process.
