.png)
When businesses think about optimisation, the focus often falls on tools, processes, and systems. But the real engine of optimisation lies in the people who make those processes work: your employees. Without their buy-in, training, and motivation, even the most sophisticated strategies can falter.
At smart/tasking, we know that employee engagement is the cornerstone of business optimisation. By empowering your teams, encouraging a culture of feedback, and recognising contributions, you improve efficiency and you’re able to get the full potential from your organisation.
Sophie Pentony, a Client Partner and Internal Communications expert is on the blog today to explore the role of employee engagement in driving smart results. Over to Sophie!
What exactly is business optimisation?
Since it’s one of smart/tasking’s central service offerings, it feels like the perfect place to start.
Business optimisation, at its heart, is about getting better results with fewer resources. It’s the art of cutting through inefficiencies, streamlining workflows, and adopting smarter ways of working - whether that’s through automation, technology, or better operational design. In essence, it’s about working smarter, not harder.
At smart/tasking - and this is what I believe sets the business apart from others - optimisation isn’t just about processes or systems. It’s about creating the right environment - a culture where people have the tools, skills, and confidence to thrive. And that’s where employee engagement comes in. Without the commitment and motivation of the people behind the processes, even the best strategies can fall flat.
So, how do you keep employees engaged and motivated while pursuing optimisation? Here are three ways to make engagement the cornerstone of your strategy:
Empower employees with training
Optimisation starts with empowerment. When employees have the tools, knowledge, and confidence to take ownership of their roles, they make faster decisions, solve problems creatively, and embrace change more easily. They’re also much, much happier!
I’ve seen first-hand how a well-designed training programme can transform a team. But it’s not just about the training itself - it’s about clearly communicating the "why" behind it. Employees who understand the purpose behind new tools and processes are far more likely to engage with them and make them successful.
Build a strong foundation with feedback
One of the simplest, yet most effective, ways to optimise your business is by listening to your employees. Feedback is just so critical for identifying problems and uncovering opportunities for improvement, yet you’d be surprised how many businesses are still unwilling to receive it openly.
To establish a strong feedback culture:
Create two-way communication channels like pulse surveys, team check-ins, or informal chats.
Act on feedback quickly to demonstrate its value.
Encourage openness by normalising discussions about challenges and improvements.
Recognise and reward contributions
Engagement flourishes with recognition. Acknowledging employees for their contributions reinforces the behaviours that drive success.
Recognition is most effective when it’s:
Specific: focus on the action and its impact.
Timely: celebrate achievements as they happen.
Meaningful: tailor rewards to individuals or teams.
At smart/tasking, we align employee engagement with business optimisation efforts by focusing on people first. By simplifying workflows, providing targeted training, and welcoming open communication, we’re on the right track to smarter teams, not teams that work harder.
So, optimisation isn’t just about systems and processes - it’s about creating an environment where employees feel empowered, valued, and supported. When engagement is high, your people are your greatest asset in driving smarter results.
If you’d like support with internal communication, optimisation or anything else, get in touch - we’d love to hear from you.
Comments