Workplace climate and employee engagement : a case of Kira municipality in Wakiso district

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between workplace climate and employee engagement in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, Uganda. The study was premised on five objectives; First to examine the relationship between leadership and employee engagement; second, to assess the relationship between employee relations and employee engagement; third, to examine the relationship between employee satisfaction and employee engagement; fourth, to examine the relationship between employee commitment and employee engagement and fifth, to examine the relationship between employee motivation and employee engagement in Kira Municipality. The study employed a crosssectional survey design with both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The target population comprised 485 staff members working for Kira Municipality. A sample of 270 respondents was selected using a combination of simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire and an interview guide. Quantitative data was analyzed using structured questionnaires. The regression results revealed that leadership (b = 0.028, p = 0.046), employee relations (b = 0.127, p = 0.000), employee satisfaction (b = 0.1 05, p = 0.035), employee commitment (b = 0.332, p = 0.000), and employee motivation (b = 0.083, p = 0.014) positively and significantly influence employee engagement. The model summary showed that when all the independent variables are combined, they account for or predict 49.3% of the variations in employee engagement, while the remaining 50.7% is attributed to other factors. The ANOVA findings indicate that leadership, employee relations, employee satisfaction, employee commitment, and employee motivation have an overall significant effect on employee engagement (F = 39.384, p = 0.000). The study's findings underscore the critical importance of leadership, employee relations, employee satisfaction, employee commitment and motivation in fostering enhanced employee engagement within Kira Municipality. As recommendations, it is suggested to invest in leadership training and development programs to empower managers and supervisors with the skills and knowledge needed to inspire and motivate their teams effectively. This includes fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and open communication among leaders and employees. Strengthen communication channels and encourage regular feedback sessions between management and employees to address concerns, recognize achievements, and foster a sense of belonging and mutual respect within the organization. Implement formal employee recognition programs to acknowledge and reward outstanding performance, contributions, and dedication. This can include incentives, awards, and public recognition ceremonies to celebrate employee accomplishments.