Crafting a Workplace Culture That Speaks to Every Generation

Did you know? According to the Gallup report for ASEAN countries, from 2021 to 2023, Singapore ranked dead last in employee engagement, hovering at a mere 13%. While Malaysia saw some improvement, climbing from second-to-last to fifth place, with an engagement rate of 22% in 2023. On the other hand, the Philippines boasts the highest employee engagement, standing at 31% in 2023.

If you've ever found yourself lost in the labyrinth of HR jargon, chances are you've stumbled upon the elusive concept of employee engagement. It's like the “Uncharted Territory” of HR—everyone talks about it, but what does it really mean, and why should we care?

Welcome to the wild world of employee engagement, where HR meets the art of understanding what makes your team tick. As we embark on this journey, let's take a moment to tune into the unique beats of different generations in the workplace.

Picture this: Baby boomers and Gen Xers, stalwarts of the workforce, have weathered the storm of corporate culture shifts and office politics. For them, loyalty and dedication were the name of the game, with career progression often following a linear path.

Enter the Millennials and Gen Zers, the new kids on the block armed with smartphones, memes, and a thirst for purpose-driven work. They're not just punching the clock; they're craving connections, opportunities for growth, and a workplace culture that aligns with their values.

Now, let's hit rewind and zoom in on the Gallup questions that shed light on what makes employees tick:

• "Do I know what's expected of me at work?"
• "Do I have the tools and resources to do my job well?"
• "Am I able to do what I do best every day?"
• "Have I received recognition or praise for my work recently?"
• "Does my supervisor or someone at work care about me as a person?"
• "Is there someone at work who encourages my development?"
• "Do my opinions matter at work?"
• "Does the mission or purpose of my company make me feel like my job is important?"
• "Are my colleagues committed to delivering quality work?"
• "Do I have a work buddy I can share a joke and a coffee with?"
• "Has anyone at work given me feedback on my progress in the last six months?"
• "Have I had opportunities to learn and grow in the past year?"

These questions aren't just checkboxes; they're the signposts on the road to employee engagement. It's like handing each employee their own personalised roadmap on day one, with checkpoints along the way to ensure they're on the right track.

Think of it like this: When an employee steps into the office on their first day, they're handed a roadmap—a guide to navigating their journey within the company. But here's the kicker: this isn't a one-size-fits-all map. It's customised to each employee's unique skills, aspirations, and goals.

Throughout their journey, HR acts as the navigator, ensuring their GPS is updated and recalibrated as needed. It's about staying in tune with each employee's needs, providing support, guidance, and opportunities for growth along the way.

So, let's flip the script on employee engagement. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, let's embrace the diversity of our workforce and chart a course that speaks to every generation, from boomers to Gen Z. Together, we'll create a workplace culture where every voice is heard, every talent is nurtured, and every employee feels valued and engaged.

Let's steer the ship towards employee engagement success with these actionable tips for HR:

1. Keep Job Descriptions Fresh: Regularly update job descriptions to align with evolving roles and responsibilities. Provide employees with clear expectations from the get-go.
2. Stay Connected: Foster frequent touchpoints and maintain open communication channels. Ensure employees feel heard, valued, and supported throughout their journey.
3. Illuminate the Path: Help employees understand how their role contributes to the company's mission. Provide a roadmap for growth and development, guiding them towards the next treasure.
4. Nurture Team Collaboration: Cultivate a collaborative and supportive team environment where every contribution is recognised and celebrated. Encourage teamwork and camaraderie.
5. Personalised Rewards: Recognise and reward employees for a job well done, tailoring rewards to their preferences and interests. It's not about the price tag; it's about showing appreciation in meaningful ways.

Remember, when employee engagement is low, the risk of "quiet quitting" and "loud quitting" increases. Disengaged employees may silently disengage from their work or make a more vocal exit, impacting morale and productivity of the entire team.

* Information regarding employee engagement statistics in ASEAN countries was sourced from Gallup reports spanning the years 2021 to 2023, which can be downloaded here.