Gone Fishing:How the smallest things can make the biggest impact
The great thing about good employee engagement is the positive effect it has on everyone - not just employees but the customer experience too. And when that experience is completely unexpected and hugely enjoyable - that has to be good for business - and profits. This is exactly what happened to me a few days ago and it left me smiling all day long.
I was passing through Kings Cross station and popped into a Pret a Manger to get some lunch. As I entered there was loud cheering and clapping coming from the staff behind the counter. I was a little surprised to see that they were playing the “catch a plastic fish with a magnetic fishing rod” game and every time a team member caught a fish there was wide excitement. The place was buzzing.
As I approached they invited me to have a go. Now, thanks to my daughter, this is one area where I have developed quite a skill. On my first attempt I caught a “fish” and there was another loud cheer. One of the team took my photo with me holding my prize catch and I was offered a drink on the house. The staff were obviously having a great time and the customers were too. Everyone was smiling and their attitude was infectious. Guess where I’ll be going for lunch next time I’m in the area?
This for me is a great example of doing something really simple - and different - that engages employees and customers alike. What’s more, it goes to show that the smallest things can often have the biggest impact. The key for me - and how I help to create engaged employees and teams - is to spot the opportunities that naturally fit the culture and brand.
One of my clients recently organised for all the employees to have strawberries and cream on the first day of Wimbledon. Another has organised an event on Weston beach where teams will compete in their very own seaside Commonwealth Games with an opening parade of “athletes” to kick the afternoon off. I know of another company who have hired an indoor crazy golf course that will be in place in their office for the British Open.
For me engagement is all about people going home after work and saying to their loved ones very positively “you will never guess what happened at work today”. So, go on - catch a fish!
en:Rich helps organisations succeed by creating engaged, motivated and highly productive people, teams and managers. If you would like help developing employee engagement ideas that fit your culture and brand - please contact us http://www.enrich-hr.co.uk/get-in-touch
Posted on: Thursday 17th July 2014