How often do we genuinely ask employees what they think – and, more importantly, what do we do with what they tell us?

Giving employees a voice is about more than an annual engagement survey or a suggestion box. It means creating regular opportunities for people to share ideas, raise concerns and have a say in the things that affect their working lives.

There are plenty of ways to make this happen. Regular team catch-ups can provide a simple opportunity to ask, “What could we do better?” Employee forums or working groups can give colleagues a more formal platform, while anonymous feedback tools can be useful when people may not feel comfortable raising something openly.

You can also involve employees directly in projects and decisions that affect them. Bringing colleagues into discussions about workplace changes, new systems or ways of working can provide valuable insight – after all, the people using something every day may spot opportunities or problems that others haven't considered.

But giving people a voice only works if they feel they are being heard.

If employees take the time to share an idea or concern and nothing happens afterwards, they may quickly decide that speaking up isn't worth it. Even when a suggestion can't be implemented, explaining why and showing that it has been considered demonstrates that their contribution matters.

That sense of being valued can have a real impact on engagement. People are more likely to feel connected to an organisation when they understand that their views, experience and ideas can help shape what happens next.

Ultimately, employee voice isn't about giving everyone the final say on every decision. It's about creating a culture where people know their perspective is welcome, their contribution is respected and, where possible, they can help influence the future of the organisation.


PS - If you are keen for some individual wellbeing tips to complement this Working Well life, check our Being Yourself Series with Make Me A Plan's Performance Planner, Gemma Mullinger. You can read the latest edition here: COMING BACK TO YOURSELF - Make Me A Plan