Employee Engagement Research: Cherry Tree Coffee Shop and Restaurant

This research report investigates employee engagement within Cherry Tree Coffee Shop and Restaurant in the Royal Marsden Hospital. The study aims to identify the nature of employee engagement, assess its impact on employees, and evaluate various engagement tactics. The research explores the factors influencing employee engagement, including workplace culture, strategic alignment, leadership style, and development opportunities. The report includes a literature review examining existing research on employee engagement, and a detailed methodology outlining the research approach. Data analysis is presented, followed by conclusions and recommendations. The research highlights the importance of employee engagement for enhancing productivity, innovation, and overall business performance, emphasizing the need for strategies to foster a highly engaged workforce. The report also provides a timescale for the research activities and includes references to relevant academic sources.

Research Project

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................1
Research Aim and Objectives......................................................................................................1
Problem statement.......................................................................................................................2
Rationale for research topic.........................................................................................................2
Timescale.....................................................................................................................................3
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW.........................................................................................5
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY...........................................................................13
CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS..................................................................................................20
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION......................................................38
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................39

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Employee engagement has become the priority for many business houses. The employers
imparts a high focus on retaining the individuals for the company. The present business
environment is very dynamic as conditions changes very frequently. The firms are aware that
high performing manpower is important for growth and survival (Afiouni, 2013). It has been
identified that a highly engaged workforce can increase the productivity, innovation and bottom
line performance. There are many factors which makes the company successful which includes
better products, services, technology, strategies etc. All these things can contribute to superior
performance however all of them can be copied over time (Badke, 2012). Contrary to that one
resource which can create many sustainable competitive advantages is the workforce.
Employee engagement is a process of involving the people within the functions in a
manner that they can contribute in the best manner possible towards the company’s goals and
objectives. It is based on trust, integrity and mutual communication between the organization and
its members. It is an approach which can increase the chances of success (Bakker and Schaufeli,
2008). It has the potential to enhance the productivity and profitability. Engagement can also be
measured as it ranges from the scale of poor to great. It can also be fostered and increased in
dramatic manner. Further it can be lost and thrown away. Considering this scenario, present
research has been carried out that aims to identify the nature and factors that influences
employee engagement. As per the view of ABC (), employee engagement is affected by varied
factors and it also influence by workplace culture and structure. Further, employee engagement
is affected by strategic alignment, career support, working relationship leadership style,
development opportunities, fair remuneration and other related. In present research, different
aspects of employee engagement have been explored that helps in recognizing the actual factors
that influences engagement activity. For the purpose of conducting this research, Cherry Tree
Coffee Shop and Restaurant in Royal Marsden Hospital are taken into account.
Research Aim and Objectives
The major aim of the research is to identify the nature of employee engagement at cherry
tree coffee shop and restaurant in Royal Marsden hospital in Sutton. In order to achieve the
above aim following objectives have been laid down:
Objectives:
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 To assess impact of excellent employee engagement on employees in Cherry tree coffee
shop and restaurant in Royal Marsden hospital in Sutton.
 To identify various tactics of employee engagement
 To evaluate the link between employee participation and organization's performance
 To suggest different strategies to increase effectiveness of employee engagement program
within the firm.
Problem statement
Every research is carried out on the basis of an identified issue. Employees are
considered as the assets of the organization. It is difficult to attain success without their support.
Those individuals are required which can give their maximum contribution towards the goals and
objectives. In the present context, companies are facing the issues of employee turnover and low
retention rate. It is affecting the business of the firms. It is becoming difficult to derive
competitive advantages. In order to overcome the issue, it is essential to keep a competitive
workforce who can enhance the productivity. Employee engagement is a very effective approach
in this regard. The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of employee engagement
on the performance of employees. It also discovers how the employees are important for the
company and what strategies can be adopted for their engagement.
Rationale for research topic
The present research will be carried out to assess nature of employee engagement within
different types of organization. Several studies have been carried out to determine the impact of
staff participation on their performance (Afiouni, 2013). However, the present research work will
address different aspects of employment engagement that would provide significant benefits to
the business entity. In the current study, researcher aims to evaluate employee engagement as a
beneficial tool in order to attain success within firm. Also, it assesses that business is required to
involve all its workers into decision making process to achieve desired targets. In addition to it,
there are varied set of factors that affects the employee engagement level. Therefore, this
research has helped in analysing each of the factor so that its influence of engagement activity
can be attained. Further, this research has been conducted to identify which factors boost or
decrease the engagement activity. Also, absence of which factor at workplaces declines or make
no impact on engagement level of employees is also assessed in the research. Hence, it is an
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exploratory study that been conducted to gain idea about varied direct that influences employee
engagement level.
Timescale
Following is the time schedule for all the activities which are to be completed while the
course of the research.
ACTIVITIES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
 Identified the problem
 Systematic analysis to choose
the topic for the study
 Chose the research
 Conduct literature review for
secondary data collection
 Set the objectives
 Primary data collected from
customers
 Identified research approach
 Design research methodology
 Preparation of structured
questionnaire
 Make Fill up the questionnaire
from customers
 Organize collected data in
excel sheets
 Apply suitable technique to
analysis data
 Interpretation of the data
 Evaluation and finding of the
research
 Recommendation and
suggestions for further study
 Outline the findings chapter
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 Create report in a presentable
manner
 Submission to instructor and
awaiting for feedback
 Revising the final draft
 Submit report
 Present report to the audience
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CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
In the contemporary business environment, employee engagement is being considered as
the most important aspect of organization. It is also termed as a key success factor that influences
different business operations along with the decision making system (Greasley and et.al., 2005).
The current study will discuss the nature of employee engagement within two types of
organizations such as Cherry Tree Coffee Shop and Restaurant in Royal Marsden hospital in
Sutton but both these firms are associated with hospitality and catering business. As per the aim
and objectives of the present study, researcher is going to carry out a systematic literature in
which investigator will analyze different elements associated with employee engagement with
reference to views of different authors, studies, journals etc. In reality, it doesn’t matter how
staff engagement is defined, as long as strategies can be implemented that deliver an engaged
workforce.
http://www.nhsemployers.org/your-workforce/retain-and-improve/staff-experience/staff-engagement/staff-engagement-resources
(accessed on 26.11.2015)
1. To identify the nature of employee engagement at Cherry Tree Coffee Shop and
Restaurant in Royal Marsden in Sutton.
As per the research of Kular and et.al 2008 it has been addressed that employment
participation within various business scenario has been identified as a most important aspect that
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plays vital role in overall growth and development of an organization. In this context, it has been
argued that a business entity applies different strategies such as great management and
leadership, training and development etc. for influencing the participation of workers within
various business operations as per the current market trends (Greasley and et.al., 2005).
The investigation of Zinger (2015) has found management and leadership as the most
important motivator of staff participation. It contains several elements such as visibility,
accountability and good communication which is required throughout the organization from the
board to lower level of employees. In this context, author further argued that this flows in the
best way it can, both down and back up through management structure which is considered as a
key component of staff engagement in place. Therefore, leadership and management structure is
termed as the most significant aspect and tool of employee participation.
Afiouni (2013) examined that Involvement in decision making provides an opportunity to
staff for influencing their own direction of work while performing different job role and
responsibilities. In the context of restaurant business, this approach has been found very effective
for facilitation of different food dishes with some unique taste. Author further argued that this
approach cannot be a one off exercise because it requires circular process for staff consulting
(Greasley and et.al., 2005). This approach helps business entity to assess active participation of
workers in various strategic decisions as per the current market trends.
The investigation of Choy (2012) has addressed that the assessment of training and
development needs among employees and management has provided significant benefits to the
business entity. By establishing conversation with staff member while developing different types
of training program, an organization can make appropriate training plans to influence education
level and skills of the workers. Apart from that, it has been analyzed that an efficient training and
skills development program has been found very effective to increase involvement of workers in
the decision process (Blyton and Turnbull, 2004). The new learning plays significant role in
order to influence confidence level of workers to facilitate creative ideas and suggestion to top
management on various strategic decisions. By making every role count of staff member, an
organization is able to align staff with the vision and aims of the organization. In this context, it
has been found that the understanding among staff members about their roles and responsibilities
provides significant benefits to the company (Boella and Goss-Turner, 2013). Author further
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argued that by linking individual roles and responsibilities with corporate goals, the management
increases involvement of staff within various business operations.
The study of Macey and Schneider (2008) has found that a healthy and safe work
environment plays vital role in increasing the participation of staff in policy formation process.
This is because the staffs have high levels of health and well-being as well as they feel protected
and secure at the work all the time. Therefore, this type of environment encourages the staff to
work more effectively in the organization.
2. To identify factors that influence employee engagement
http://www.nhsemployers.org/your-workforce/retain-and-improve/staff-experience/staff-engagement/staff-engagement-resources/the-staff-
engagement-star-2015
Drillings and ONeil, (2004) stated that employee engagement is a practice in which
employees are highly absorbed in the work and they work for longer and harder in order to meet
with the needs of the organization. However, there are certain factors that influence the drive in
employees to become engaged and same varies from person to person and organization to
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organization. In this aspect, Albrecht, (2010) commented that enabling employees involvement
into decision making is one of the core activity that makes them engage. He further stated that
decision making is one of the key activity that needs to be conducted on regular basis in
organization. However, each and every employees cannot become the part of the same as it can
hamper the decision making activity. Due to this, employees feel demotivated and company can
manage such situation by involving employees in the decision that are related to their job roles.
With this, they feel motivated and it tends to engage after a certain period of time. In this aspect,
Macey and et. al., (2011) argued that involving employees in decision making can be a risky
option as it can leak crucial information of organization. Also, it can develop the situation of
conflict among employees that can further spoil the working culture and ultimately commitment
level of employees. Hence, it is required to manage such situation effectively by monitoring
employees and also by ensuring that they only involve in the decision that belongs to their job
role. With this, company can able to gain support from its employee base and can also able to
manage business activity (Gruman and Saks, 2011).
In addition to it, Luthans and Peterson, (2002) stated that supporting personal
development and delivering required training to employees is a practice that aids in boosting the
engagement level. Manager must look for development of employees so that they get chance for
improving the skills and competencies. Through this, employees feel motivated and they get
influenced from managers and management. Moreover, development activity increases the
chances of employment opportunities of personnel which further influence them to work harder.
Beside this, Saks, (2006) comment that training helps in boosting the competency of employees
that supports in fulfilling their job roles in desired manner. This certainly leads to job satisfaction
that develops into boosting the commitment level of employees. Further, Kompaso and Sridevi,
(2010) stated that trained and skilled employees are likely to promote for higher job roles and
this certainly act as a drive for working harder and with commitment. This gradually leads to rise
in motivation and hence they become engaged employees. This helps company in attaining their
objectives in an effectual manner.
Moreover, Macey and Schneider, (2008) has analyzed that appreciation to employees is
also crucial in the organization as it aids in motivating the employees. Also, it is required to
highlight even small role of employees as well because it somewhere boost its morale. Through
this practice, company is able to retain its employees and also can able to develop healthy
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relations with them. Through this practice, appropriate working environment is developed that
ultimately leads to engaged employees. Also, support among employees is increased through
appreciation that aids in completing the work in effectual manner. This aids in attaining the
business objectives in an effectual manner. Bhatnagar, (2007) in this regard has stated that
appreciation is one of the most cost effective approach of motivating employees and it helps
enhancing their commitment level as well. This leads to development of working culture where
employees put their extra effort for the organization. Hence, it is required to appreciate the
employees so that overall efficiency of company can be increased.
Beside this, Kular and et. al., (2008) has stated that company need to offer healthier and
safe working environment to employees in order to enlighten their engagement level. In this
context, Cartwright and Holmes, (2006) comment that if company thinks for welfare of
employees and then employees will also gradually support company. Considering this, company
must offer healthier working environment so that overall efficiency of employees can be
increased. It is one of the less aware fact that generally not been given more emphasized by
company and hence poor support from employees is attained. Also, it decreases the job
satisfaction level as well in short run (Truss and et. al., 2006). Therefore, it is required to offer
sound working environment in order to boost the commitment level of employees.
In the list of factor that influences employee engagement level, Govern and Petri (2012)
also added one crucial factors. They found that communication with employees also makes a
huge impact on the motivation of employees and ultimately affects employee engagement.
Armstrong, Brown and Reilly, (2011) stated that proper leadership and management style in also
one of the key concern for employees that affects the engagement if strict practice is followed.
Hence, it is required to follow participative style so that employees don’t feel burden and they
are able to include in decision making through which healthier relation is developed.
Additionally, it is required to delegate certain set of responsibilities to employees as well in order
to enhance its competency (Seijts and Crim, 2006). According to Harter, Schmidt and Hayes,
(2002), delegation aids in developing sense of authority in employees which is then fulfilled in
more precise manner. Also, it helps in removing extra burden from higher level officials. Hence,
the practice of delegation supports in engaging employees. Also, it supports in completing each
of the job role in desired manner.
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Apart from it, Little and Little, (2006) commented that company need to pay fairly to
employees in order to motivate them. In this context, company can offer compensation and
bonus to employees so that they can be influence for engaging.
3. To assess impact of employee engagement in Cherry Tree Coffee Shop and
Restaurant in Royal Marsden hospital in Sutton
Better staff engagement means
Better staff experiences
Better overall performance
Better financial performance
A positive impact
The study of Choy (2012) has determined that an employment engagement is the most
crucial and important aspects of business management which have direct impact on performance
as well as satisfaction level of the staff. In the context of hospitality or catering business, the
participation of staff in various business decisions regarding new product development and
improvement in service rendering process influences the satisfaction level of employees (Blyton
and Turnbull, 2004). Author further argued that the positive reaction of staff towards their overall
job circumstances such as supervisors, pay, coworkers, less absenteeism, etc. indicates high
satisfaction level among staff members.
Boella and Goss-Turner, (2013) evaluated that the positive impact of employee
engagement is also shown within the commitment of staff towards different job role and
responsibilities that lead positive outcomes to business entity. Further author argued that,
Commitment is being termed as a most important aspect of employee engagement. It is also
termed as an application of various new strategies while performing various job operations. It
develops over time and is an outcome of shared experiences (Understanding Employee
Engagement - Definition and its Origin, 2015). All these elements have direct impact over the
efficiency of workers and their participation in different job operations.
The research of Macey and Schneider, (2008) has found that by enhancing participation
of staff within various strategic business decisions, an organization is able to influence the
loyalty of staff. Employee loyalty for the organization creates a positive attitude about the
organization which can motivate employees to do better than expected by the company. This
approach has positive impact on employee performance and their productivity (Bakker and
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