How to improve employee engagement in the workplace

Employee engagement is crucial for success in today’s modern workplace. When employees are engaged, they are more committed, motivated, and productive, which leads to higher job satisfaction, increased team engagement, and ultimately, a thriving business. In this blog, we will explore what employee engagement is, why it is important, and ‘how to’ strategies you can put into action right now to improve employee engagement in the workplace.

What is Employee Engagement?

Employee engagement refers to the emotional connection and commitment employees have towards their work, their organization, and its goals. HR Dive cites these four main pillars of employee engagement. For employees to feel engaged, they need to feel or have:

• Connection to their co-workers and to the organization
• Meaning and purpose in their work
• Impact in the organization (and even the world)
• Appreciation: be acknowledged and appreciated for their contributions

Engaged employees are enthusiastic about their work, actively contribute to the success of the company, and are aligned with its values. They feel a sense of belonging and are motivated to go above and beyond their prescribed job duties. Gallup reports that employee engagement is declining in the U.S., dropping from 36% in 2020 to 34% in 2021. In 2022, employee engagement levels dropped further to 32%, so the steady decline of employee engagement levels in the U.S. workforce should cause concern for both HR professionals and leaders alike.

Employees want to feel connected to their colleagues and managers, to feel their work has meaning and impact on the company, and to be appreciated for the work they do. More and more employees have this expectation, and when employers don’t step up and address it, the implications can decelerate, and even stall, an organization’s success and sustainability.

Why is Employee Engagement Important?

Improving employee engagement is now considered a strategic business decision. Harvard Business Review reports engaged employees perform better, experience less burnout, and are more likely to stay with the organization for the long term. But that is just the tip of the iceberg — higher employee engagement touches almost every facet of an organization:

1. Increases productivity: Engaged employees are more focused, motivated, and committed to their work. They go the extra mile to achieve their goals, resulting in increased productivity and efficiency for the organization.
2. Reduces turnover: When employees feel engaged, connected to their work, and valued within the organization, they are more likely to stay. This reduces turnover rates and the associated costs of recruiting and training new employees.
3. Adds to job satisfaction: Engaged employees are more satisfied with their work as they find value in what they do. They experience a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and fulfillment, leading to higher levels of job satisfaction and overall happiness at work.
4. Improves customer service: Engaged employees are more inclined to provide excellent customer service. They are motivated to build positive relationships with customers, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
5. Enhances innovation: Engaged employees are more willing to share ideas, suggest improvements, and contribute to problem-solving efforts. They feel empowered and valued, which fosters a culture of innovation and creativity within the organization.
6. Contributes to a healthy company culture: Employee engagement contributes to a positive work environment. When employees feel engaged and valued, they are more likely to work collaboratively, support their colleagues, and contribute to a healthy and inclusive company culture.
7. Boosts employee morale: Engaged employees have higher levels of morale, which positively impacts the overall workplace atmosphere. A happy and motivated workforce creates a positive ripple effect, leading to increased employee satisfaction and teamwork.

These are just a few benefits that a company can gain by improving their employees’ engagement. By investing in strategies to engage employees and create a supportive work environment, companies can foster a culture that ensures long-term success and growth.

How to Improve Employee Engagement

So, now that you know why it’s important, taking action to improve employee engagement levels in your organization is the next step. But whose responsibility is it? While HR creates policies and programs that support employee engagement — including training and development, work-life balance and well-being programs, and employee recognition — other areas of the organization play equally important parts. Senior leadership sets the tone and priorities for the culture by establishing and communicating the company’s mission, vision and values; managers directly influence their reports making day-to-day management vital in shaping their team’s perception of the organization and its culture; employees need to actively engage with the organization, and intentionally decide to align their employee journey with the employee experience being offered by the organization.

Here are seven actionable insights to get you on your way to improving employee engagement in your organization:

1. Effective communication: Regular and transparent communication is key to engaging employees. Provide updates on company performance, share important information, and encourage employees to share their thoughts and feedback. Use various channels such as town halls, team meetings, email updates, and intranet platforms to distribute effective communication throughout the organization.
2. Empowerment and autonomy: Give employees the freedom to make decisions and take ownership of their work. Empower them to solve problems and make a difference within their roles. When employees feel trusted and respected, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated. We cited this as trending now — read more about this in our 2024 Trends Report.
3. Work-life balance: Promote a healthy work-life balance by offering flexible work options, employee support services and encouraging employees to use their paid time off (PTO). Recognize the importance of personal well-being and provide resources to support employees' mental and physical health. A well-balanced lifestyle enhances employee engagement and reduces burnout. This topic is explored in depth in our eBook: Elevating Employee Engagement and Productivity through Work-life Balance.
4. Recognition and rewards: Acknowledge and appreciate employees' contributions regularly. Recognize their achievements publicly, provide constructive feedback, and celebrate milestones. Implement a rewards and recognition program to incentivize and motivate employees to excel in their work.
5. Training and development: Invest in employees' professional growth and development. Provide opportunities for skill enhancement through on-site and virtual training programs, workshops, and certifications. Encourage employees to set career goals and provide resources to support them in achieving those goals. When employees see a clear path for growth within the organization, they are more likely to remain engaged.
6. Foster a positive work environment: Build a positive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and promotes collaboration. Encourage teamwork, establish open and respectful communication channels, and ensure that employees feel psychologically safe. Regular team-building activities and social events by a Community Manager can also help foster a sense of belonging and engagement.
7. Leadership support and development: Provide leadership training to managers and supervisors to equip them with the skills to effectively engage and motivate their teams. Strong and supportive leaders play a crucial role in fostering employee engagement and creating a positive work environment.

Employees’ engagement is vital for the success of any organization. By implementing effective strategies such as effective communication, empowerment, work-life balance, recognition, training, fostering a positive work environment, and leadership development, companies can improve employee engagement and reap the benefits of a highly motivated and productive workforce. Visit Circles to explore additional resources and gain further insights on improving employee engagement.