Employee Engagement Strategies for Workplace Transformation: A Study on ASDA

This research study analyses the concept and importance of employee engagement, different employee engagement strategies, and challenges faced by ASDA while implementing these strategies. The study recommends strategies for employee engagement after pandemic with respect to current workplace transformation.

Research Project

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................4
RSEARCH METHODS...................................................................................................................6
Research Philosophy...................................................................................................................6
Research type..............................................................................................................................6
Research Approach.....................................................................................................................6
Data collection............................................................................................................................6
Data analysis...............................................................................................................................7
Sampling.....................................................................................................................................7
Ethical consideration...................................................................................................................7
Timeline......................................................................................................................................7
DATA ANALYSIS..........................................................................................................................8
REFLECTION...............................................................................................................................16
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................16
RECOMMEDATION....................................................................................................................17
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................18
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................20

INTRODUCTION
In the current competitive environment, it is very necessary for companies to motivate
and engagement employees for longer. This is pertaining to the fact that employees are the one
who perform the work and in case they will not be good then this will be affecting performance
of company. the present study is based on ASDA which is a British supermarket chain. The
present research will be analysing the concept and importance of employee engagement. Along
with this, different employee engagement strategies will be analysed which are assistive to
motivate employees. In the end the challenges will also be evaluated which can affect the
implementation of employee engagement strategies.
Aim and objectives
Aim
To examine the different strategies which can be used for employee engagement after pandemic
with respect to current workplace transformation. A study on ASDA.
Objectives
 To develop understanding relating to concept of employee engagement and its
significance in motivating employees.
 To analyse various strategies for employee engagement with respect to ASDA for
improving the performance after workplace transformation that is current pandemic.
 To examine the various challenges which are faced by ASDA while implementing the
employee engagement strategies with respect to workplace transformation.
 To recommend some of the strategies which ASDA can use in order to eradicate and
solve the issues faced due to workplace transformation.
Research question
1. What is the concept of employee engagement and its importance?
2. What are the strategies used by ASDA for engaging employees post pandemic that is
workplace transformation?
3. What are the challenges faced during implementation of employee engagement strategies
with respect to current workplace transformation that is pandemic?
4. What are some of the recommended steps for avoiding the challenges being faced by
company?
Rationale

Currently the environment is competitive and workplace is also very transforming. This
is very necessary because within the external environment there are many different changes
which affects the business. Hence in the current scenario the major workplace transformation is
current pandemic. Also many workplace transformation is taking place in order to manage it, it is
necessary for companies to have a good set of employee. After the pandemic, most of the
employees were not liking to go for the job and this can affect the working efficiency of
companies. Hence, because of this, the present research topic is selected as it will increase the
knowledge relating to strategies pertaining to employee engagement.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Theme 1
From the analysation of Sugianingrat and et.al., (2019) employee engagement has been
considered as the most important indicator of the gauging work satisfaction. This is the concept
which is able to describe the level of enthusiasm and dedication of a worker toward their
company's performance for making a difference. Milliman, Gatling and Kim, (2018) supports
that as the employees in the current era has been considered to be seen more involved in the
work, enthusiastic about the organization about their work for the sense of belonging and being
able to afford the flexibility of the schedules of the locations. The employee engagement in the
current times has been able to increase the likelihood employees being able to establish the
positive emotional connection with organization.
Hameduddin, T. and Fernandez, (2019) explained that employee engagement is very
essential for an organization as it helps it in effective strategies that are in-place for helping the
business create a better work culture, reduce staff turnover and also increase the productivity.
This is the factor which helps the organization in building a better work culture and customer
relationship for being more profitable. Rameshkumar, (2020) supported as engaging employee
has critically important for retaining valuable employee as it is very essential for employee
satisfaction.
Theme 2
According to Jena, Pradhan and Panigrahy, (2018) there are various strategies which help
an organization to improve work efficiency through employee engagement. This includes the
organization to try to uphold the company core values so that employee show more engagement.
Employees are able to show more employee engagement when they believe that the business is

providing them the growth which they are looking. Opoku‐Dakwa, Chen and Rupp, (2018)
added that recognizing the top performers in the organization can also be the key way in which
the business is able to influence employee engagement. Collection of proper feedback from the
employees is a very strong strategy for keeping them engaged towards business. Employee
engagement is the practice which allows the business to bring growth into the organization with
the help of developed operations.
From the evaluation of Duthler and Dhanesh, (2018) it has been understood that
volunteering opportunities in the organization can help the business find the individuals which
are interested in the growth of the organization. Conduction of the employee engagement surveys
have been seen as the method in which the areas of improvement can be found by the
organization. Chandni and Rahman, (2020) argued that some times the business can gain
employee engagement from its employee by focusing on simple their basic needs. Something as
simple as treating everyone equally and with collaboration in relation to the future of the
employees can also improve the employee engagement. This is the method which helps in the
management of the business through developing employee satisfaction.
Analysation of Burnett and Lisk, (2019) explained that human resource management are
the department which have the biggest responsibility in the management of the employee
engagement strategy. This is due to the ownership of the engagement activities which help the
organization in ensuring everything is running smoothly and in avoiding unexpected errors. Raza
and et.al., (2021) was able to elaborate the concept of how HR recognizes the employees hard
work for their appreciation. This helps in keeping the employees engaged by offering the
opportunity to the organization through making differences that are required. Employees are also
able to improve their engagement with the help of offering flexible schedules that provide the
business with growth. This is the effective strategy for developing strong work culture in the
organization through employee engagement.
Theme 3
In addition to this Nazir and Islam, (2020) also explained that there are challenges which
company faces while implementing employee engagement strategies. One of the most common
challenge is the differentiation and motivation of the needs for each and every employee for
developing differentiation in the operations. As per the view of Lee, Rocco and Shuck, (2020)
meeting the requirements of the business can help in creation of employee engagement while

improve the work efficiency and result in increase in the overall performance. This is important
for the business to improve the work efficiency of the employee and result in the increasing the
overall performance of the implementation strategies.
From the evaluation of Barreiro and Treglown, (2020) the challenges which are faced by
the organization can be considered to be the presentation of the lack of clarity which is amongst
staff and the management. Management of the employee engagement insight can also be
effective for the commitment from the top management and generalization. Wang and et.al.,
(2020) explained that the lack of work and life balance in the organization have been the major
reason for the poor engagement of the employees. The growth of the organization is dependent
of the employee engagement but growth also bring more engagement to the employees.
RSEARCH METHODS
Research Philosophy
Research Philosophy is way through which data about a phenomenon needs to be
gathered, analysed and used (Ngozwana, 2018). There are two different types of Research
Philosophy such as, positivism and interpretivism. In this research positivism is used for factual
knowledge which will be gained through observation and limited data collection.
Research type
There are two basic types of research Qualitative and Quantitative. Qualitative research
involves the collection and analysation of non-numerical data for understanding concepts and
opinions. Quantitative research is the process of collecting and analysing the numeric data for
developing understanding. This research will select qualitative research for research of this topic.
Research Approach
A research approach is the plan and procedure which consists of the steps that have broad
assumptions for detail methods of data analysation and their interpretation. Out of the two
approach of research inductive and deductive, the inductive approach will be used for making
aims and objectives that will provide based for study.
Data collection
Data collection is the gathering of the data required for research (Basias and Pollalis,
2018). There are two sources of data collection primary and secondary. Primary data includes
first-hand data which is gathered by the researcher through surveys, observations, experiments

and questionnaire. Secondary resources include websites, books journals articles and internal
records. Both primary and secondary sources of data are used.
Data analysis
The thematic analysis is used for analysation of the data which will be collected. This
will help in representation of that data in the form of table, graph and their interpretation for the
result of analysis. In such a way the research will be able to conclude a theory for understanding
the concept.
Sampling
This is statistical analysis in which the determination of the number for the observation
for a larger population. The methodology used for this project is essential for sample from the
larger population depending on the analysis being performed. In this research for gathering
primary data 20 employees of the company selected on the basis of random sampling method.
Ethical consideration
For this research ethical consideration are taken regarding the consent of the respondents
and confidentiality of the autonomy of the research. It also assures no damage to the human or
environment.
Timeline
Activities Mont
h 1
Mont
h 2
Mont
h 3
Mont
h 4
Mon
th 5
Mont
h 6
Mont
h 7
Mont
h 8
Mont
h 9
Mont
h 10
Mont
h 11
Mont
h 12
Research
topic
selection
Aims and
Objective
s
Research
proposal
Analysati
on of
secondar

y sources
Research
Methods
Developi
ng
questionn
aire
Collectin
g primary
data
Collating
data
Conclusi
on and
Recomm
endations
Consultin
g with
tutor
Modificat
ion and
submissi
on
DATA ANALYSIS
Theme 1- Yes, there is familiarity with the concept of employee engagement.
Particular Respondent % of Respondent
Yes 12 60

No 8 40
Total 20 100
Interpretation- with the evaluation of primary responses it is clear that majority of people are
aware relating to the concept of employee engagement. This is agreed by 60 % of respondent and
remaining participant does not agree with the same.
Theme 2- Yes, ASDA is using the employee engagement strategies after the pandemic.
Particular Respondent % of Respondent
Yes 16 80
No 4 20
Total 20 100

Interpretation- on evaluation of gathered data it was clear that ASDA is using the different
employee engagement strategies. This is agreed by 80 % of employees because after pandemic
most of the employees were not interested to work. Hence, in order to remove this problem,
company took help of employee engagement strategies. However, 20 % of respondent did not
agree with this.
Theme 3- All of the above involves the benefit which ASDA enjoys by using employee
engagement strategies.
Particular Respondent % of Respondent
Creating better working
environment 4 20
Reduction in employee turnover 4 20
Increase in productivity 3 15
All of the above 9 45
Total 20 100

Interpretation- by evaluating the data gathered it was analysed that there are many benefits which
are being enjoyed by company due to employee engagement. In accordance to 45 % of
respondent it involves all of the above which involves different benefits. These benefit include
creation of better working environment, reduction in employee turnover and increase in
productivity. However, other respondent agrees to these benefits on individual basis.
Theme 4- Positive impact is being created by ASDA when they implement employee
engagement strategies.
Particular Respondent % of Respondent
Positive 14 70
Negative 5 25
No impact 1 5
Total 20 100

Interpretation- with the help of analysis of data gathered from 20 respondents through
questionnaire it was evaluated that positive impact is being created by use of employee
engagement strategies. As agreed by 70 % of respondent when company uses employee
engagement strategies then this motivates employee to work in better and effective manner. On
the other hand, 25 % states that it creates negative impact and 5 % articulates that there is not
impact of using employee engagement strategies.
Theme 5- Providing growth opportunity and financial and non- financial motivators will be the
best strategy for engaging employees.
Particular Respondent % of Respondent
Providing growth opportunities 6 30
Giving financial and non- financial
motivations 6 30
Promoting transparent working 5 25
Providing flexible working environment 3 15
Total 20 100

Interpretation- in accordance to the analysis of data gathered it is evaluated that there are
different types of strategies for the effective employee engagement. The reason pertaining to the
fact is that these strategies help company in motivating employees. In accordance to majority of
respondent it is clear that most common employee engagement strategy used by ASDA is using
financial and non- financial motivator and providing growth opportunities. However, on the
other hand, 25 % states that promoting transparent working practice is good for engaging
employees. Further, the remaining respondent states that providing flexible working environment
will be assistive to engage the employee towards working of company.
Theme 6- Yes, there are different types of challenges which affects the implementation of
employee engagement strategies to a great extent.
Particular Respondent % of Respondent
Yes 15 75
No 5 25
Total 20 100

Interpretation- by the evaluation it is clear that there are many different types of challenges
which can affect the implementation of employee engagement strategies. Total of 75 % of
employees stated that there are different challenges which can affect the implementation of
employee engagement strategies to a great extent. however, remaining respondent do not agree
to this.
Theme 7- All of the above are the challenges which are faced by ASDA for engaging employees
in better and effective manner.
Particular Respondent % of Respondent
Increase in cost 5 25
Difference in requirement and need of
employee 3 15
Poor communication 2 10
All of the above 10 50
Total 20 100

Interpretation- with the evaluation of the data gathered from primary respondent it is evaluated
that different challenges are being faced by the company while implementing the strategies. In
accordance to the views of 50% respondent all of the above are the major challenges faced at
time of implementation of employee engagement strategies. This all of the above involves
increase in cost, poor communication and diverse requirement of employees. However, in
against of this the remaining employees agreed to the individual factors.
With the views of NDONGA and TSHUKUDU (2020) the use of employee engagement
is very important and it increases the working efficiency of the company. the reason underlying
this fact is that when the employees will be engaged within the business then this will be
increasing the efficiency of business. Along with this Adhitama and Riyanto (2020) stated that
use of providing financial and non- financial motivations is important for the company to engage
the employees. The reason underlying this fact is that when some type of motivation will be
provided to employees then this will be affecting the working efficiency of them and ultimately
will improve the working of company. in addition to this, when the growth opportunities are also
provided to the employees then this motivates them in better and effective manner. Along with
this it was analysed that there are different challenges as well which affects implementation of
the strategies. In the views of Srinivas (2021) the major challenge faced is that there is diverse
need of employees. All the employees are not same and they do not get motivated with the same
element. Hence, this can affect the working efficiency of the company to a great extent.

REFLECTION
In the present case of analysis of employee engagement strategies, the use of qualitative
research method was undertaken. this is pertaining to the fact that use of qualitative aspect is
very important as it increases the theoretical knowledge and understanding relating to the
research topic. Moreover, the use of inductive approach of research was effective because it
includes setting up of aim and objectives relating to the study. this aim and objective assist the
researcher in analysing and providing a base for the study to be completed. Along with this, the
use of interpretivism was assistive because of the reason that it is more suitable with the use of
qualitative study only. Hence, it can be stated that the use of current strategies of research is
helpful for the researcher in conducting the study in better and effective manner.
Further for the future working, I think that the use of quantitative research would have
been better. The reason underlying this fact is that it involves the use of the data and numeric
facts and figures relating to research area. Hence, this will provide more concise and precise
outcome and conclusion can be drawn in better manner. Along with this, for alternative data
analysis SPSS could have been used. This is better because it will provide numeric facts and
figures and better conclusion can be drawn.
Along with this, I also learnt that use of good researching skill is important for the reason
that it help in evaluating the different sources. This is necessary for the reason that when I will be
having good researching skills then this will be improving the working efficiency. Along with
this I also learnt that proper coordination is important for the effective working of the research
and my personal development. The reason underlying this fact is that all the stages of research
are connected and for this proper coordination is required.
CONCLUSION
In the end it is concluded that using employee engagement strategies is very important for
the company to be successful. The reason underlying this fact is that it motivates and engages
employees towards company and its performance increased. The above research inferred that
setting up of aim and objective is essential as it provides base to the company. further the
literature review section highlighted that there are different strategies which are helpful for
company like financial and non- financial motivators and many others. Along with this,
methodology section evaluated that use of thematic analysis that is graph and interpretation is
very helpful to evaluate the data. In the end the data analysis evaluated that use of providing

growth opportunity and financial and non- financial motivators is the best strategy to keep the
employee engaged.
RECOMMEDATION
With the above analysis it is clear that use of employee engagement strategy is important
and ASDA is undertaking it properly. Then also there are some of the recommendation which
can assist ASDA to improve the working. These recommendations are as follows-
1. The first and foremost recommendation to ASDA is to take continuous feedback from the
employees. The reason pertaining to the reason is that when employees will be asked for
their views and suggestion then this will make them feel more connected with the
company. hence, employee engagement will be increased and ultimately this will
increase the efficiency of company.
2. In addition to this it is also advisable to the company that they must invest in the well-
being and recreational activities of the employees. The reason underlying this fact is that
when company will be thinking of employee’s betterment then they will also work in
better manner (Kumari, 2021). Also, providing of recreational activities will involve the
interest of employees towards company and this will improve the working efficiency of
employees resultantly company’s performance will also increase.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Adhitama, J. and Riyanto, S., 2020. Maintaining Employee Engagement and Employee
Performance during Covid-19 Pandemic at PT. Koexim Mandiri Finance. JoUrnal of
Research in Bussiness and Management. 8(3).
Barreiro, C.A. and Treglown, L., 2020. What makes an engaged employee? A facet-level
approach to trait emotional intelligence as a predictor of employee engagement.
Personality and Individual Differences. 159. p.109892.
Basias, N. and Pollalis, Y., 2018. Quantitative and qualitative research in business & technology:
Justifying a suitable research methodology. Review of Integrative Business and
Economics Research. 7. pp.91-105.
Burnett, J.R. and Lisk, T.C., 2019. The future of employee engagement: Real-time monitoring
and digital tools for engaging a workforce. International Studies of Management &
Organization. 49(1). pp.108-119.
Chandni, S. and Rahman, Z., 2020. Customer engagement and employee engagement:
systematic review and future directions. The Service Industries Journal. 40(13-14).
pp.932-959.
Duthler, G. and Dhanesh, G.S., 2018. The role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and
internal CSR communication in predicting employee engagement: Perspectives from the
United Arab Emirates (UAE). Public relations review. 44(4). pp.453-462.
Hameduddin, T. and Fernandez, S., 2019. Employee engagement as administrative reform:
Testing the efficacy of the OPM's employee engagement initiative. Public
administration review. 79(3). pp.355-369.
Jena, L.K., Pradhan, S. and Panigrahy, N.P., 2018. Pursuit of organisational trust: Role of
employee engagement, psychological well-being and transformational leadership. Asia
Pacific Management Review. 23(3). pp.227-234.
Kumari, K. T., 2021. Chapter-7 Green Work Life Balance: A Strategy to Mushroom Employee
Engagement. MULTIDISCIPLINARY, p.91.
Lee, J.Y., Rocco, T.S. and Shuck, B., 2020. What is a resource: Toward a taxonomy of resources
for employee engagement. Human Resource Development Review. 19(1). pp.5-38.
Milliman, J., Gatling, A. and Kim, J.S., 2018. The effect of workplace spirituality on hospitality
employee engagement, intention to stay, and service delivery. Journal of Hospitality and
Tourism Management. 35. pp.56-65.
Nazir, O. and Islam, J.U., 2020. Effect of CSR activities on meaningfulness, compassion, and
employee engagement: A sense-making theoretical approach. International Journal of
Hospitality Management. 90. p.102630.
NDONGA, K. and TSHUKUDU, T. T., 2020. Assessment of employee engagement in the
Botswana public service. European Journal of Social Law/Revue Européenne Du Droit
Social. 46(1). pp.51-65.
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reflections. International Journal of Educational Methodology. 4(1). pp.19-28.

Opoku‐Dakwa, A., Chen, C.C. and Rupp, D.E., 2018. CSR initiative characteristics and
employee engagement: An impact‐based perspective. Journal of Organizational
Behavior. 39(5). pp.580-593.
Rameshkumar, M., 2020. Employee engagement as an antecedent of organizational
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APPENDIX
Questionnaire
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Q1. Are you familiar with the concept of employee engagement?
Yes
No
Q2. Is ASDA undertaking the use of employee engagement strategies?
Yes
No
Q3. From the following what are the benefits of using employee engagement strategies for
motivating employees after pandemic?
Creating better working environment
Reduction in employee turnover
Increase in productivity
All of the above
Q4. What is the impact of using employee engagement strategies over working capability of
employee?
Positive
Negative
No impact
Q5. From the list below which strategies are assistive for increasing employee engagement?
Providing growth opportunities
Giving financial and non- financial motivations
Promoting transparent working
Providing flexible working environment
Q6. Is there any challenge being faced by ASDA in implementing the strategies pertaining to
employee engagement?
Yes

No
Q7. From the following which are the most common challenge faced by ASDA at time of
implementing the strategies?
Increase in cost
Difference in requirement and need of employee
Poor communication
All of the above