Crafting Connections: A PR-centric Approach to Employee Engagement

Employee engagement is the level of interest they show in the organization and it’s the result of how committed and motivated they feel toward the organization. When employees do not show any interest in the organization it eventually turns out to lack of productivity and negative consequences for the organization. Organizations that aim to boost productivity, level up employment engagement strategy, and improve relations with employees should work on employee engagement by adopting an employee-centric approach, but this is not as easy as it sounds. 

Adopting an employee-centric approach is just like taking an exam for many organizations because of the factors involved in it. In this article, we will discuss how PR centric approach can be used to increase employee engagement in an organization. We will also discuss why the employee-centric approach is the new trend in 2024. 

Using a PR-centric approach involves many factors but we have summarised it into 5 steps. Let’s find out how using a PR-centric approach can increase employee engagement and keep them interested in the organization. 

Aligning your PR and HR strategies is one way in which you can work towards increasing employee engagement. PR and HR departments are completely different so merging them doesn’t sound like a good idea. But if these two are merged it will be a deadly combination. 

Here bringing them together means having a unifying voice. When PR and HR departments merge, the focus will be entirely on the organization’s objectives instead of their own.  Aligning PR and HR departments results in boosting productivity, increasing employee satisfaction rates, promoting an inspiring culture in the organization, and attracting external and internal audiences. 

Encouraging employees to share their experiences and insights through PR initiatives is a powerful strategy. If they are provided with clear guidelines, training, and empowerment tools, employees gain the confidence and resources needed to represent the brand effectively on social media, blogs, and other platforms. Recognizing and rewarding employees for their participation in PR activities further reinforces their sense of value and motivation to positively represent the brand. 

 Cultivating a culture where employees understand their influence as brand ambassadors fosters authenticity and creativity. Overall, leveraging PR to encourage employee sharing not only increases engagement but also strengthens brand advocacy and reputation management. This creates a mutually beneficial environment for both the employees and employers. 

Using PR to involve employees in social responsibility initiatives can definitely boost engagement. If you involve their input and invite them to participate in volunteering donations or campaigns it helps foster a sense of responsibility and ownership among employees. If organizations prioritize instilling social responsibility within their employees this factor allows them to enjoy the dual benefits of enhancing corporate reputation and fostering improved employee engagement and retention. Employees actively engaged in socially responsible activities are ambassadors for the company who positively influence its image among customers and stakeholders. Furthermore, when employees feel connected to their organization’s mission of making a positive impact on society, it results in higher job satisfaction and morale, ultimately leading to increased loyalty and reduced turnover costs. 

This involvement not only strengthens their connection to the company’s values but also amplifies the impact of social initiatives. An organization’s reputation is not only dependent on its profitability but its social contributions as well. Overall, by involving employees in these efforts, PR helps demonstrate organizational values, gives them a purpose, and creates a positive impact overall. 

Research says that when we achieve a goal or hit a milestone our brain releases dopamine, the chemical responsible for happiness and pleasure. Similarly, celebrating small achievements also increases dopamine levels in the brain. One simple way organizations can do this is by announcing simple achievements, awards, and recognitions. 

Try thanking employees for their achievements and support. Organizing parties and events to showcase the achievements of your employees gives them a level of satisfaction and boosts their self-esteem. Celebrating these small win-wins can foster a culture of unity and make everyone feel important. 

Organizing surveys and polls is one important way that can be used to increase employee engagement in the organization. Organizations need to implement regular surveys and polls if they want to understand the pulse of the workforce and what goes into the minds of their employees. Using PR channels to promote and share insights from these surveys demonstrates transparency and a commitment to addressing employee needs and concerns. 

If organizations actively seek feedback and involve employees in decision-making, they can nurture a culture of trust, openness, and continuous improvement. Transparent communication of survey results in things being clear and the focus is solely on what requires attention and what doesn’t. This approach emphasizes the organization’s dedication to prioritizing employee well-being and satisfaction leading to a positive work environment and increased productivity.

An employee-centric culture implies a workplace where innovation, creativity, and ideas are welcomed wholeheartedly. An employee-centric culture allows employees to feel safe when making any suggestions or navigating any challenges within the organization. It’s like a haven for employees where they have the privilege to express themselves openly without the fear of judgment. In an employee-centric culture, individuals have meaningful connections with their team members, managers, and stakeholders. 

 Because of such a thriving organizational environment, challenges and innovative ideas are met with enthusiasm and openness by employees, managers, and leadership alike rather than with reluctant behaviour. Everyone is equally committed to the betterment of the organization.

This robust company culture cultivates an atmosphere of appreciation and respect for employees, who are keenly aware of the myriad opportunities available for their career and professional development as well. 

This article has elaborated on how PR centric approach can boost employee engagement. PR-centric not only helps to elevate the organization’s culture and profitability it also helps maintain strong connections with the employees. Incorporating PR-centric approach with

an employee-centric approach will spice up the game and take the enterprise to heights it has never imagined.