Is employee engagement essential?

Why employee engagement matters for every business

What’s preferable: an employee who meets basic demands or an employee who exceeds your expectations?  

We’re willing to bet you choose the latter. And while it’s tempting to assume that a professional’s performance relies solely on them, the reality is not so simple. In truth, if your staff are not engaged, they’ll have trouble motivating.  

Satisfied, thriving employees creates a domino effect that puts your business ahead of the curve. So, if you want to reap the rewards, keep reading for employee engagement strategies you can implement today.

Benefits of engaged employees

Increased productivity

Employees who are passionate about what they do are more likely to express more excitement and initiative in their work. Our research revealed that 89% of employees feel more productive when they are engaged and actively working towards achieving goals and meeting expectations.  

Improved output

In addition to enhanced productivity, engaged employees are also more likely to produce high-quality work. A Harvard Business study reinforces this, finding that 81% of leaders agree that highly engaged employees perform better.  

Less burnout

Increased productivity in engaged workplaces begs the question: do highly productive employees also become burned out?

It turns out the opposite is true. Engaged employees are less likely to feel stressed. Instead, they enjoy an overall more positive work experience, supported by an enthusiasm for their job. Additionally, those who are connected to their work and team members can confidently collaborate with colleagues and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Reduced turnover

Turnover is a costly issue organizations face, demanding more time and money. So, if you want to limit the number of absences and resignations within your business, ensuring your employees are engaged is key.  

When employees feel fulfillment through their work and organization, their sense of worth reflects that. This leads to enhanced job satisfaction and eliminates workers’ urge to look for employment elsewhere.

Employee engagement ideas

Recognize and reward hard work

Employees want to feel valued for their contributions. Regular positive recognition is a great way to show your staff you appreciate them. You can do so by:  

• Complimenting them in person or via email
• Giving high performers a raise or promotion
• Hosting a social event, such as a happy hour

Acknowledging your workers’ efforts also bolsters their confidence, encouraging more innovative ideas to drive your business forward.

Provide professional development opportunities  

If workers don’t feel challenged in their role, they may start to disengage. To avoid this, consider giving them chances to learn and grow.  

In a recent Michael Page survey, 21% of professionals said they asked their employers for more access to training resources. These can be mentorship programs, internal trainings, or credible courses.

Whether they want to learn a new skill or polish an existing one, supporting employees’ development benefits everyone.  

Enlist your staff’s support

Improving your employees’ engagement doesn’t have to be an endeavor you tackle alone. Instead, get the help of your staff.  

Surveys are a great way to gauge their perspectives and solicit feedback. You can also encourage open communication for employees to share their thoughts in a group or one-on-one setting. Most importantly, be sure to put their suggestions into practice. In doing so, you show employees you value their input.

Refine your hiring process

Employee engagement starts at the beginning—with the hiring process. The trick is to find talent that aligns with your company values, culture, and mission.

Our recruitment consultants specialize in hiring solutions for a range of industries. Equipped with market knowledge and a large candidate pool, we efficiently find the right employees for your business.

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