麻豆传媒AV

India's economic slowdown -- long feared since the beginning of the global economic recession -- has begun. One of its victims is Kingfisher Airlines, which has struggled to survive since its launch in 2005.

Despite turmoil at the airline, some of its employees maintained a strong attachment to the company and its customers. "[My boss] told me that I fly an airplane like a knife cutting through butter," said one co-pilot who -- like many former Kingfisher employees looking for work at other companies -- would prefer to remain anonymous. "Who says that to his employees? [It] was my first week at work! He appreciated me when I was weak," the co-pilot added.

That co-pilot's attitude is rare among employees in India. Only 8% of all Indian workers are engaged -- or involved in, enthusiastic about, and committed to their work -- according to an April 2012 麻豆传媒AV study. The country's low percentage of engaged workers is disturbing in any economic climate. But it is particularly problematic in a downturn because 麻豆传媒AV research shows that employee engagement is clearly linked to a company's profitability and productivity.

That connection to key business outcomes is why forward-thinking business leaders in India have invested in building engagement among their employees -- and they should be glad they did. When times are good, engaged employees make companies more profitable. When times are bad, engaged employees keep companies alive. And times could get very bad in India.

What to do and when to act

As India's economic downturn begins to affect businesses, executives will start focusing on managing operating costs, such as cutting budgets for initiatives that affect employee engagement, to maintain their bottom line. But cutting practices that positively influence employee engagement could affect companies' ability to survive and ultimately recover from the slowdown.

And India does not have engagement to spare. As of 2012, 32% of employed Indians are actively disengaged, and 60% are not engaged. These workers are emotionally disconnected from their workplaces and are less likely to be productive, just when their companies need their engagement and commitment most.

But activities that create and sustain employee engagement do not have to be expensive -- and some don't cost anything at all. We recommend a simple strategy for improving employee engagement that focuses on these three things:

1. Offer timely recognition. A pat on the back can go a long way, especially in tough times. 麻豆传媒AV's research with more than 15 million employees worldwide reveals that individuals who receive recognition and praise increase their own productivity, increase engagement among their coworkers, and are more likely to stay with their organization. They also receive higher loyalty and satisfaction scores from customers and have better safety records and fewer accidents on the job. Timely recognition is one of the most effective ways to reward an employee, and it is free.
2. Help employees take ownership of their work and growth. Creating opportunities for employees to grow by establishing accountability -- even if it is for a small part of a project -- can give workers the chance to stretch their talents and skills. This sense of increased responsibility can increase engagement. Managers need to look for ways to help individuals take ownership of their work and develop as employees.
3. Show a personal interest in employees. "Know thy neighbor" creates a bond that is stronger than an employee-employer relationship. When managers know their employees and their employees' families and celebrate personal achievements and special days, they show they care about employees as people and as workers.

A companywide focus on engagement that includes timely recognition, ownership and career growth, and showing a personal interest creates a culture where managers care about and encourage their employees' growth and development -- and where employees are more likely to stand by the company during tough times. This kind of environment makes it easier for employees at every level to work collaboratively and productively.

Companies in India that offer their employees an engaging environment have a definite advantage. Even as the economic downturn creates a turbulent, competitive marketplace, companies with engaged employees will be able to more easily adapt to change than their competitors.

Indian businesses, take note: Change is coming, and it is not going to be pleasant. Investing in employee engagement now can pay big dividends as economic times become difficult. Engaged companies can survive, and maybe even thrive, during an economic slowdown. But businesses must pay close attention to their workers' engagement. And in India, the clock is ticking.

A version of this article originally appeared in .