Research shows that when employees feel empowered at work, it is associated with stronger job performance, job satisfaction, and commitment to the organization.
As a result of employee empowerment, employees show the desire to embrace changes and become more proactive. Employee empowerment creates employees who are more invested in the organization and its success.
According to Deloitte’s Millennial Survey, more than two-thirds of Millennials believe it is an organization’s role to provide them with accelerated development opportunities in order for them to stay with that organization. A supportive management that guides employees and knows how to empower them, by setting clear goals, coaching for high performance, developing future leaders, and providing continuous feedback, can make a workplace more desireable to potential employees.
Organizations have started realizing the importance of allowing employees to make independent decisions and act on them. They are seeing that employee empowerment leads to a high-impact learning culture, and that organizations with a strong learning culture are 92 percent more likely to develop novel products and processes. Such organizations are 52 percent more productive, 56 percent more likely to be the first to market with their products and services, and 17 percent more profitable than their peers. Their engagement and retention rates are also 30 percent to 50 percent higher.
Employees today are placing a higher premium on flexibility, creativity and purpose at work — and it’s worth noting.
For organizations, empowerment means allowing employees to contribute more to the running of their businesses. Employee empowerment increases the employees’ sense of responsibility, enhances their morale and improves the quality of the work product.
In fact, the same principles of empower- ment can benefit the community too. By providing training and skill development to gain and keep a job, or gain valuable life skills, people are more likely to improve their self-image, quality of life and independence.
That’s why, in this month’s magazine, we are showcasing the many ways that education and empowerment go hand in hand — and the organizations that are helping to propel our community forward. The Mercy Center for Women, for one, a sponsored ministry of Sisters of Mercy in Erie, Pennsylvania, has been empowering homeless women, many with young children, on their road to recovery and self-sufficiency since 1994 — and a new building project will soon help even more.
We’ll also talk with Susan Snelick, the new president for the Northern Pennsylvania Regional College, about the value of affordable and convenient education for employees, employers and area residents. Plus, we’ll share some important information about our ninth annual HR & Employment Law Conference, as well as tax incentives for employers who hire those facing barriers to employment, and much more!
Be sure to check out this month’s Training Catalog too for the latest computer, HR and professional development training courses available online and in person at the Manufacturer & Business Association. At the MBA, we’re here to help you and your team succeed!
