Struggling with Monthly IQ Tests and Engagement Activities? Seeking Creative Ideas and Advice

Dear Seniors, I am working in a growing IT company, where my responsibilities include more employee engagement activities. My management expects me to conduct an IQ test for the employees monthly, engage in activities quarterly, and have one-on-one discussions monthly. I started this well, but I am unable to do it regularly. I request the seniors to help me by providing creative and interesting IQ test questionnaires (e.g., Einstein riddle) and questions to make the one-on-one sessions more beneficial for both management and employees. Please share activity ideas and experiences.

Thanks,
Joylin.

What prompted your management to believe that conducting regular IQ tests improves employee engagement? Where did they find evidence of this sort? If your management shared this belief with you, did you also believe it unquestionably? Conducting IQ tests during recruitment is one thing, but administering them regularly to staff is another.

What impact did the IQ tests you conducted have? Did they enhance employee engagement? Would you mind sharing the test outcomes?

I humbly request that you reconsider your views on employee engagement and IQ tests. The sooner you dispel any misconceptions in these areas, the better.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Thank you for your response. First, I admit that I am new to Employee Engagement. That's why I've put my questions to the seniors. My management believes that conducting an IQ test will stimulate employees' IQ levels and help them to think smart and fresh at work. Though we conduct aptitude tests while recruiting candidates, many employees do not spend time improving their knowledge once they are employed. The impact of conducting this type of test is improving the IQ level among employees. I have personally experienced the difference.

Perhaps I can separate this from employee engagement and title it as Employee Knowledge Time. I would be grateful if you could provide me with a sample questionnaire.

Thanks,
Joylin

Regular IQ tests will only make them good at IQ tests—nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else. You should try to see how they can incorporate the learning on the job. Improving knowledge for the job could be done through:

1. Designing a quiz contest or a crossword—if your organization has the infrastructure, then it could be done online through the intranet.
2. Holding special sessions where they share the best practices of the week or the month (from any department). The idea is for them to translate this into simple language from which everyone can learn.
3. Having a suggestion scheme.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Dear Joylin, this is in addition to my previous post and the suggestions Ryan has provided. You may call me on my mobile at [Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]. If you are not from India, then we may use Skype. My Skype ID is <dineshvasantdivekar>. I would like to share a few ideas with you. Writing everything in detail may not be possible.

All the best!

Regards,
Dinesh Divekar

Some interesting suggestions... But here is a fundamental issue that I suggest you concentrate on first. Try to understand what Employee Engagement is all about. What does it mean and why is it very important? Doing something because your management wants you to do it and doing the same thing because you feel it is important, effective, and productive are two different things with divergently different results... 

Today, you are having these doubts only because you yourself are not very clear about what this is all about. If you did understand this, you would have outrightly realized that IQ is one factor that absolutely has no implication or any effect on Employee Engagement.

You must take Dinesh's offer and talk to him. Try to have him explain to you what employee engagement is all about. I know of quite a few senior HR professionals who are, despite their seniority, as clueless as you are about what it actually means. They feel, like your management, that employee engagement is about a few activities that need to be conducted that would miraculously recreate an "Engaged Employee."

We are here collectively to guide you, but there are absolutely no shortcuts to success... 

Have fun...

Cheers,

Navneet