There's a lot of sense in this article, as well as, I'd suggest, some confusion. Firstly, employee engagement has many flaws in concept and practice, but it's pretty much defined as a motivated state that is "important to the business'. In fact, it's a prime example of the recommended approach to focus on the business problem. Which actually, is its main flaw. Treating aspects of people which are only important to a business, rather than those aspects which are important to themselves just isn't very engaging. And only focusing on business problems won't ever get us very far. Truly strategic as well as people-centric HR focuses on what people can provide that would help transform the business. It starts with people, not just with business problems. But I do strongly agree on the need for "better job design and work organisation" and this needs to start with people, not just work as well- eg see this in the Academy: https://lnkd.in/eS2Buf4z https://lnkd.in/emRQmsWS #employeeengagement #jobdesign #workdesign
Jon, you've hit the nail on the head. HR's stuck in a cycle of fixes that don't fix. Organizational Network Analysis (ONA) could be the compass guiding us to smarter work design by revealing the real flows of collaboration and support. How do you think ONA could reshape our understanding of 'engagement' from within?
This really hits home, Jon - love the emphasis on aligning employee engagement models with both personal and business growth. It's refreshing to see such a nuanced approach to what often becomes a one-dimensional conversation. That said, what are your thoughts on how HR can better integrate personal fulfillment into business models without compromising on operational efficiency?
Thank you for sharing these valuable insights and resources!
Owner at Semini Global Ltd. International (EMENA/Asia) Group HRD/Interim/HRBP/Coach- specialist in Employee Relations, Transformation, Restructuring. Creating positive ER. Watercolour artist.
10moInteresting but short/brief article. Controversially perhaps, I think HR also attracts the wrong people (as with other professions too). By that I mean you can read the book, get the certificate (CIPD/SHRM) and acquire some useful experience but unfortunately that wont necessarily make you a good and competent HR professional or a competent problem-solver. There are a whole range of other personal qualities you need to have and perhaps most are innate and can't be taught or learnt?