When you are looking to accomplish anything in your life, can you do it without being there? 

And when I say being there it may or not mean being physically there.  You can tell me that you can work remotely from your computer or phone and still get something done.  That's true.  BUT you still need to show up.  You still need to engage in the activity.  You still need to make a commitment to the success of the project or task.  You must SHOW UP!

What about your career?  Do you show up every day?  Have you made the commitment to bring energy and focus and to contribute to the organization?  Or do you go to work and go through the motions, doing just enough to make it through the day?  How engaged are you?

Employee engagement is one of the most important indicators in gauging work satisfaction. Employees today want to be involved in their work, enthusiastic about the organization they work for, have a sense of belonging, and be afforded flexibility around schedules.

Belonging is at the top of the most recent Global Human Capital Trends survey with 79% of survey respondents saying that fostering a sense of belonging in the workforce was important to their organization’s success in the next 12–18 months.  Ninety-three percent agreed that a sense of belonging drives organizational performance.

Despite employee engagement being viewed as positive company-wide, the majority of employees are disengaged at work. 

Most reported articles speak about why having engaged employees is important to companies.  But why is being an engaged employee important to you?

Here are five top reasons why it is important for you to be engaged at your job.

1. You will be able to take control of your current position while working toward realizing your full career growth potential 

Your future is controlled by the decisions you make and the actions you take.  When you are engaged in your career, you do not need to blame your boss or your company for holding you back.  Success is in your reach and control.

As an example, I started on the ground floor with little education.  In less than 2 years, I was supervising a team that had some workers with 5 years more experience than me.  Then a couple of years after that my first boss reported to me.  I was committed to my own success, which brought huge value to the company.

2. You become a highly admired role model for your peers, friends, and family.

Being part of something bigger and feeling like you are contributing meaningfully provides a powerful sense of fulfillment for you and your family.  Don't underestimate how this will positively increase your personal family life and wellbeing.  When you are engaged and demonstrating leadership at work, your family knows about it.  They get the feeling that you are a respected and admired performer.  And they will be proud of you and proud to be a part of the family and take on those positive habits.

On the other side, if you are an underperformer and always have things to complain about, look for the easiest way out and are not a respected, contributing employee, your family has a much higher chance of struggling and trying to find their own better way.  Why not help everyone and get engaged with your career and family?

3. Your level of trust and respect within the organization will increase.

When you are engaged and contributing in positive ways, you will become a key resource for input to management.  Your voice will be heard and acted on.  Upper management will rely on your knowledge, skill, and dedication to help grow the company.  They will call on you to lead and represent the organization because you are the organization.

4. You will be working more efficiently, productively and provide an elevated level of value to your organization that will return rewards of maximum income potential.

Have you been receiving little or no raises or been overlooked for promotions?  When you bring a higher value, your organization will notice.  Always have an intense sense of doing more than you are paid to do and the money will catch up.

5. Last, but not least, being engaged and contributing allows you to work at a career you love while contributing positive ideas and results for your company without the disruption and hassle of going out to find another job.

Searching for a job is not easy.  In fact, it is usually quite stressful and extremely challenging.

If you really want to enjoy life and feel proud and alive, Show Up at your job and for all those around you.  Be patient and persistent and allow the rewards to flow back in multiples.

Building Leadership Into Every Workforce

~ Ken