The SCORE 2016 Issue 1 | Page 20

yee o l p m E up Ser ving the n i t n e m Engage try: s u d n I ant r u a t s e R s to t n e i d e r g n Five Key I oyees l p m E y l r ou Engage H S 2016 Issue 1 | THE SCORE 18 pecial sauces, a fun atmosphere, excellent food quality and a sense of camaraderie is what makes your guests feel they are on the winning team at Buffalo Wild Wings®. They cheer on their favorites on the big screen, shout out encouragement to those that drop the ball and huddle together to strategize the next play. It is as if they are there in the stands, only better. What would happen if each of your employees felt the same way? Due to the pressures of a tight labor market, rising minimum wages and changes in federal regulation that make it more difficult to hire, it is easy to think about ways to raise prices, cut expenses and rein in the bottom line. Instead of focusing on cutting costs, why not look at ways to reap the benefits of the investments you have already made in your people? The good news is when you focus on motivating and engaging your people, you not only increase the performance and positivity in your employees, you increase what is possible for your organization. by Debora J. McLaughlin Hourly employees have the greatest impact on your business results. With hourly employees both in the front of the house, and in the back of the house, the key to success is to attract, retain and promote engaged employees. What is an engaged employee? An engaged employee is one who shows up ready to do their best, makes decisions based on the best interests of the company and is emotionally committed to its success. Forbes describes the Engagement Profit Chain: Engaged Employees Lead To … higher service, quality and productivity, which