Through the Lens: Discovering Employee Engagement
As HR practitioners and organizational leaders, we are always looking for better ways to understand the experiences of our workforce. We analyze surveys, examine turnover rates, and conduct town hall meetings. However, what if the key to understanding employee engagement was already in their pockets?
At H&K Advisors, we employ an innovative methodology called Participant Photography. This approach helps organizations uncover the deep-seated needs, motivations, and barriers that traditional surveys often overlook.
What is Participant Photography?
Participant photography is a qualitative research method that invites employees to take photos of events, artifacts, and spaces they believe impact their engagement at work. This approach goes beyond simple photography; it revolves around visual storytelling.
By capturing images of their daily experiences, employees offer a "window" into their world. This method is especially effective in revealing workforce needs that may not be apparent through numerical data alone.
The H&K Approach
We’re excited to share how we gather valuable insights for our clients through two unique research approaches in the participant photography process!
Approach 1: Here, we embrace the adventure of discovery! We come in without assumptions, letting the employees’ photos speak for themselves. This open-minded approach allows us to uncover vibrant themes and the special cultural nuances within your organization.
Approach 2: Once we've captured these insightful visuals, we dive deeper to interpret the data. For example, if a survey shows low engagement in a department, the photos provide clarity by revealing the stories behind the statistics. They add richness and context, empowering leadership to grasp the underlying factors that influence performance trends.
We believe this blend of exploration and explanation leads to meaningful change!
How It Works: The Journey from Image to Action
H&K Advisors facilitates a structured process to ensure that this visual data translates into a strategic retention plan:
Onboarding: We select a representative group of participants and establish clear confidentiality and ethical guidelines.
The Capture Phase: Participants use their devices to document artifacts (a cluttered desk, a breakroom, a specific tool) or events that influence their "willingness to invest" in the organization.
The Narrative Session: Facilitators meet with participants individually to co-construct the story behind the photo. As we know from our research (Hurtienne et al., 2017), the "story" is where the true engagement lies.
Focus Sessions: Participants come together to categorize photos, developing a collective narrative of the organization's culture.
Why Visual Data Matters
Higher levels of engagement lead to what we call the Triple P: Passion, Productivity, and Performance. Research shows that engaged workforces see marked improvements in:
Profitability and Customer Loyalty
Safety and Productivity
Employee Retention
Viewing your organization from your employees' perspective allows you to gain valuable insights that can lead to meaningful improvements. Instead of merely guessing what will retain your top talent, you are developing a strategy based on their shared experiences and realities.y.
Partner with H&K Advisors
Are you ready to see your organization in a new light? H&K Advisors specializes in applying advanced Human Resource Development (HRD) theories, such as Participant Photography and Equity Leadership, to help you unlock human expertise and potential.