Savina Harrilall | Chief People Officer | Mukuru | mail me |
The Harvard Business Review describes the secret of corporate success as “human magic”. Unlocking employee potential is a culture where people thrive. This culture allows ambitions, passions and commitments to translate into productivity, results and shared growth.
Such investment is vital during times of geopolitical and economic instability, where people feel invisible and stressed.
A 2024 International Monetary Fund report highlighted global growth appearing stable but with underlying issues affecting positivity. The report described the world as being in a “sticky spot”.
Empowering people for growth
Employees are not immune to these economic and geopolitical challenges. Gallup found that 20% of employees worldwide feel lonely, with engagement stagnating and well-being declining. This disengaged workforce costs the global economy approximately $8.9 trillion, representing 9% of GDP.
Additionally, employees often feel replaceable, compounding their disengagement. The American Psychological Association (APA) noted that turbulent economic, social, and political conditions influence employee decision-making. Workers increasingly seek stability, well-being, and meaning in their roles.
Unfortunately, the lingering effects of the pandemic continue to destabilize organisational foundations. Both employees and companies are striving to regain their equilibrium in this complex environment.
Defining employee potentialising
People are not merely a pillar of business – they are its foundation. Engaged and supported employees deliver the “magic” that ignites organisational culture. Leadership plays a pivotal role in fostering this environment. When leaders value employees’ potential and recognise their worth, employees become more committed and creative.
Potentialising employees means aligning business success with the success of its people. While tools like leadership enablement and benchmarks are important, they are insufficient without genuine people-centricity. Employees want to see concrete efforts that prioritise their success and well-being.
We have built strong foundations to embrace potentialising employees. For instance, achieving Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) compliance was not publicised but viewed as an opportunity to empower our people. This approach helps create job opportunities, expand skillsets, and support talent growth.
Redefining people within growth
We prioritise interactions with people inside and outside the organisation to drive commercial outcomes. Every employee is treated as a skilled leader in their role and a master of their destiny. Recognising individuality and diversity helps create spaces where employees thrive, leading to better customer interactions.
Psychologically safe workplaces foster a sense of belonging, which is essential for employee fulfilment. A recent Harvard Business Review study emphasised the role of human-centred leadership. Effective leadership involves recognising individual needs and investing in employees’ well-being.
“Heart leadership” elevates servant leadership by championing empathy, humanity, and authenticity. Leaders who care for and empower employees build a culture of trust and motivation. This approach is the foundation of employee potentialisation.
In conclusion
The outdated 9-to-5 productivity model needs replacement with flexible work environments. These spaces should align with both employee and organisational needs, enabling individuals to thrive. Mukuru champions breaking traditional moulds and embracing uniqueness. Employees are encouraged to be authentic and respectful in their roles, fostering mutual respect.
When organisations prioritise their people, employees become motivated to invest in themselves and their work. This synergy unlocks the true value of potentialising employees.
Related FAQs: Unlocking employee potential
Q: How can an organisation improve employee engagement?
A: An organisation can improve employee engagement by fostering an inclusive culture that encourages open communication, provides opportunities for continuous learning and recognises employee contributions through a culture of recognition.
Q: What role does performance management play in unlocking employee potential?
A: Performance management is crucial for unlocking employee potential, as it involves regular feedback and performance reviews that help employees understand their strengths and areas for improvement, enabling them to reach their full potential.
Q: How can organisations create an environment that helps employees feel valued?
A: Organisations can create an environment that helps employees feel valued by implementing employee surveys to gather feedback, tailoring development programs to individual needs, and promoting job satisfaction through recognition and support.
Q: What are some effective strategies to boost employee performance?
A: Effective strategies to boost employee performance include providing training on new skills, encouraging professional development and implementing learning platforms that facilitate continuous learning and growth.
Q: How can a culture of recognition transform an organisation?
A: A culture of recognition can transform an organisation by enhancing employee satisfaction, motivating high-performing teams, and improving overall morale, which leads to better organisational success.
Q: What are the benefits of focusing on talent recruitment in relation to employee potential?
A: Focusing on talent recruitment helps ensure that the right individuals who align with the organisation’s values and culture are brought on board. This alignment can enhance employee engagement and create an environment where employees can unlock their full potential.
Q: How can unlocking employee potential through continuous learning improve employee engagement?
A: Continuous learning improves employee engagement by providing opportunities for personal and professional growth, making employees feel invested in their development, which in turn enhances their commitment to the organisation.
Q: In what ways can organisations support employees in reaching their full potential?
A: Organisations can support employees in reaching their full potential by offering tailored development programs, fostering a collaborative environment and encouraging open communication to help employees take charge of their professional growth.
Q: How does employee satisfaction impact organisational success?
A: Employee satisfaction directly impacts organisational success as satisfied employees are more productive, engaged, and likely to contribute positively to the workplace, ultimately driving performance and innovation.
