When your company began incorporating webinars into its daily work routine due to the pandemic, you could not stand attending them. Perhaps you had to get accustomed to using the “mute” button correctly, or connectivity issues kept making participation difficult. Whatever the case, employees have begun to adapt well to webinars in the workplace.

A year after the initial shutdown, webinars have become the new necessity for many employers and employees. Still, some companies have not taken full advantage of webinars as a tool for growth. Employers can use employee engagement during webinars to help create a positive culture in the workplace.

How does webinar participation keep employees engaged?

There are several methods employers can apply to keep employees engaged during webinars. One method is asking or requesting feedback from employees. Asking for feedback is a way for employers to gauge the feelings of their employees. Reaching out to employees and asking what is on their minds is a great way of hearing employees out and gaining insight into how to improve the workplace culture. Employees feel more compelled to engage in the workplace when their concerns are met, and their recommendations are valued.

How does rewarding performance lead to increase employee engagement?

Everyone responds well to praise. This is where rewarding good performance comes into play. Employers should not hesitate to compliment employees on a job well done during a webinar. Good work rewarding will inspire employees to continue to improve and get better at each task.

Rewards also help to boost morale within employees. Employers do not need to wait until their employees finish their work to be rewarded. If employees show up early to work, mention that on the webinar and thank them. If employees stay late, thank them and reward them as well.

How does simplifying the participation process keep employees engaged?

Everything, in general, is better when people keep things simple. Employees will not feel comfortable engaging in webinars if additional steps must be taken. For example, participation can dwindle if employers ask that employees download excessive plugins or install an app to register for a webinar. All employers must do is ensure that the technology is easily accessible and easy to navigate. These simple actions can help to increase participation rates in employees.

How do team-building exercises help to increase employee engagement?

Team building exercises help to increase employee engagement by increasing morale and strengthening the bonds of coworkers. Team building exercises are another way to ensure that employees are both happy and engaged in their work. Finding ways to bond and socialize with one another helps the employees view their work as more than just a job.

The exercises help to make the job more relational instead of transactional. Employers need to focus on engagement and inclusion of the entire team instead of leading boring, mundane meetings.

Why is employee engagement so important for every occupation?

Employee participation and engagement can make or break the success of a company. When employees are engaged in their work, they go above and beyond for their employers and their team. Everyone — from the employer to coworkers to customers — benefits from employees’ positive engagement and participation. When employees are disillusioned or disengaged from the culture of the workforce, it leads to severe issues such as job burnout, which can negatively impact the team.

What is burnout? How does it impact the culture of a company?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), burnout is an occupational phenomenon where employees develop chronic stress from the demands of their workplace. Although WHO is currently trying to categorize burnout as a diagnosable condition, the organization does not classify it as a medical condition. Still, employees can experience several types of physical symptoms from burnout, including headaches, fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, and sleeplessness. In addition, mental symptoms such as anxiety and depression can result from burnout as well.

Burnout is an issue that occurs in every occupational industry. From healthcare to clerical workers, every worker can experience burnout. Employers can contribute to burnout by creating a toxic culture in the workplace that undervalues employees and reduces the possibility of employee engagement.

Contrary to popular belief, employers believe that employees can easily prevent or resolve the issue of burnout. All employees must do is relax, take additional stretches before their shift, or meditate. And the problem will disappear. It is the stress from the workplace that causes burnout to occur in employees, leading to decreased participation and further toxicity in the workplace.

How does the use of webinar participation in the workplace reduce burnout for employees?

Participating in webinars can remind employees of effective coping strategies to combat burnout. Therefore, providing feedback during online events to employers and setting boundaries can help employees become more assertive in protecting their time. When employees feel in control of their time and decisions, it helps counter the helplessness that often accompanies burnout.

Although assertiveness may not help in all matters, it definitely helps the employee feel more empowered about their role. Focusing on the more positive aspects of the job also helps to counteract the additional stress associated with the position.

What are some ways that employers can assist employees who are struggling with burnout?

Employers can assist employees who are struggling with burnout by executing cultural and operational changes in the workplace. Increasing webinar participation and providing a safe space for employees to vent their frustrations or express their concerns is an excellent step in the right direction.

While burnout has become a global dilemma, some companies choose to fight burnout by making operational changes. Some companies such as LinkedIn and Nike have given their corporate workers a week off to relax and enjoy some much-needed rest. While that is great, workers outside the corporate office need the same kinds of changes that will also help combat burnout.

We are sure you will succeed, and the MyOwnConference service is an excellent web conferencing platform for your ideal virtual conference and keep your team engaged.