Employee engagement is defined by Gallup as “the involvement and enthusiasm of employees in their work and workplace.” Only 15% of workers worldwide and 35% in the U.S. report to falling in the “engaged” category. Employee engagement is critical for organizations to thrive. Engaged employees are in it for more than just a paycheck; they care about their work and the performance of the company.

Why is employee engagement important?

High employee engagement is beneficial to the success of a company. The main benefit is lower employee turnover, because employees who aren’t engaged in their work are more likely to start looking for something new and more fulfilling. When employees are engaged in their work, there will be decreased burnout and increased productivity.

So how do we improve employee engagement?

Communication is a critical factor for high levels of employee engagement. Employees want to feel heard. This means allowing them to be open, honest, and able to make improvements for the good of the company and its employees. Employees want to be informed. In larger companies, someone is almost always out of the loop. Consider investing in ways to keep employees informed so they can feel invested in the company.

Employees want to be known for what they’re good at and rewarded as well. Offering employees recognition and promotions for their  work is a great way to encourage employee engagement. When an employee is given recognition for their performance, they will likely continue and become more engaged in their work. When their achievements are overlooked, they are more likely to become disengaged.

Management plays a key role in employee engagement. Having meaningful conversations with employees about work expectations and how they are meeting those expectations can highly improve engagement. One-on-one meetings are crucial to making connections with employees and identifying their motivators. Meeting regularly will help build trust, while helping employees meet their goals.

Prioritizing and working to improve employee engagement can tremendously help your organization’s success.

Submitted by Kaitlyn Collins
MSSU Health Promotions and Wellness Intern