Employee empowerment: definition, benefits & strategies

In and out of the office, empowerment is an impactful force. When people become more confident and stronger, they can achieve more and reach new heights. At work, employee empowerment drives business success. By supporting staff and building up their capabilities, an organization can grow immensely.

At Cristaux International, we create custom awards and other pieces to compliment workplace recognition programs. We dedicate ourselves to using empowerment and appreciation to make positive company culture possible. With tips and ideas on how to implement employee empowerment, any company can see its team flourish and thrive.

What is employee empowerment? Definition

Employee empowerment focuses on giving staff support and autonomy to build their confidence at work.  Although related, employee recognition is not the same. Recognition involves acknowledging staff behavior and actions that support the overall organization. All in all, employee recognition is a tool that can be used to empower and motivate employees.

Why is employee empowerment important?

Employee empowerment is important because it drives business growth and helps develop a strong and healthy team. This philosophy helps develop professional and dedicated employees. When feeling supported and qualified, staff will be more satisfied, engaged, and committed at work. These advantages are extremely valuable for any company.

What are the benefits of employee empowerment?

By investing in professional development and staff self-esteem, businesses can reap countless benefits. Once leaders master how to empower staff, they can see their team grow and become stronger. With crucial advantages, employee empowerment is a must-have for modern and competitive businesses.

Improved Creativity

When empowered, employees become more creative and engaged at work. With greater productivity, a team can achieve more and discover innovative ideas. This sort of excitement helps businesses tackle change. Also, these moments of exploration can bring the best out of employees and develop a company that isn’t afraid to fail and try new things.

Stronger Company Culture

Employee empowerment helps increase feelings of belonging and commitment in the workplace. More positivity helps team members feel more collaborative. Also, a strong everyday culture can help retain and attract employees.

Greater Employee Satisfaction

Staff members are more satisfied with their jobs when they feel supported and trusted. Additionally, happier employees lead to happier customers. All in all, employee empowerment benefits all people involved in a business.

How to implement a culture of empowerment in the workplace: strategies, ideas, examples

Ways to motivate and empower employees are countless. Different types of recognition appeal to diverse employees and personalities. The following tips can help leaders learn how to make employees feel empowered.

1. Listen to employees’ opinions

One effective form of empowerment is showing appreciation for staff feedback. For instance, management can conduct employee surveys to learn more about team members’ interests, passions, concerns, and needs. Opportunities like these increase open and constructive communication at work.

2. Recognize employees

An employee recognition program can provide structure for day-to-day appreciation efforts. Examples of programs celebrate employee work anniversaries, sales achievements, and more. Recognition helps build confidence and dedication in individuals, while adding to company culture.

3. Prioritize employee development

Professional development opportunities are highly valuable in the eyes of employees. By investing in their staff’s future, organizations empower their team members to achieve, grow, and remain competitive in their field. Different opportunities include conferences, secondary education, and leadership training.

4. Create goals for company culture

The best empowerment programs have goals to measure how effective they are. With strategy in mind, management can figure out which tools may work best to improve their company culture. For instance, leaders who want to improve collaboration can create team awards to reward those who work well together.

How does employee empowerment during COVID-19 work?

During COVID-19, employee empowerment can be altered for remote teams. With innovative thinking and advanced technology, remote employee recognition can make distant teams feel closer and more appreciated. Different tactics include virtual team building activities, personal gifts sent to individual addresses, and digital acknowledgments.

Employee empowerment: messages & quotes

Written and oral communication is a powerful tool to motivate teams. Messages and quotes can uplift spirits and inspire staff members. Below are lists of encouraging messages and inspirational quotes to help empower employees.

Encouraging messages to empower your employees

• “I have faith in you.”
• “I believe in you.”
• “You can do it.”
• “You propel our company forward.”
• “You are an important part of our team.”
• “I trust you.”

Inspirational quotes to empower your employees

• “Action is the foundational key to all success.” – Pablo Picasso
• “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” – Steve Jobs
• “You must expect great things of yourself before you can do them.” – Michael Jordan
• “The master has failed more times than the beginner has even tried.” – Stephen McCranie
• “Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.” – Stephen Hawking
• “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

Find 20 more inspirational quotes for employee recognition programs.

How to empower your employees: conclusion

Employee empowerment is an essential tool for supporting team members and making them happy. The importance of empowerment at work is communicated through its limitless benefits. Also, tips and ideas for how to empower employees can make these advantages achievable for any organization.

Contact Cristaux to learn more about how recognition programs can empower employees.