Improving employee engagement within an organization requires intentional and sustained effort; it doesn’t happen by chance. Simply letting things run their course is not enough—employee engagement is challenging to achieve and even harder to maintain. According to Gallup, nearly 40% of employees report feeling stressed, 20% experience loneliness, 50% are actively seeking new job opportunities, and 25% suffer from burnout. With such staggering statistics, we cannot expect engagement to thrive on its own.
High employee engagement is a powerful merit for any organization. Companies with engaged employees see remarkable benefits like an 18% boost in productivity, 23% higher profitability, 78% lower absenteeism, and a 21% reduction in turnover. It shows that engagement isn’t just a goal—it’s a necessity for maintaining a competitive edge in the market.
What is employee engagement?
As per Gartner, “Employee engagement is the extent to which employees feel passionate about their jobs, are committed to the organization and put discretionary effort into their work.” On a similar note, Gallup defines employee engagement as “the involvement and enthusiasm of employees in their work and workplace.”
We can say that Employee engagement is the emotional commitment and connection employees feel toward their organization, its goals, and values. It goes beyond job satisfaction; engaged employees are enthusiastic about their work, motivated to contribute to the organization’s success, and willing to go the extra mile. They are more productive, collaborative, and loyal, leading to better performance, lower turnover, and a positive workplace culture. Employee engagement reflects how invested employees are in their roles and how aligned they feel with the overall mission of the organization.
Best activities to improve employee engagement?
- Reward and recognition programs: Reward and recognition programs are one of the most common and effective ways to boost employee engagement. These programs acknowledge employees’ efforts, achievements, and contributions, reinforcing their value within the organization. Whether it’s through bonuses, awards, or public appreciation, recognizing employees fosters motivation, loyalty, and a sense of accomplishment, driving them to stay committed and perform at their best.
Here are 5 Employee Recognition Programs with easy implementation to improve employee engagement at your workplace. - Gamification: Gamification is a modern and engaging way to boost employee participation and motivation by incorporating game-like elements into work processes. By introducing features such as leaderboards, points, badges, and challenges, employees are encouraged to achieve goals in a fun and competitive environment. This approach not only makes routine tasks more enjoyable but also fosters a sense of accomplishment and teamwork, driving overall engagement and productivity.
If you are new to the concept of gamification, read Introduction to Gamification in HR followed by 7 Tips for Effective Gamification of Employee Goals. - Team Building Activities: Activities like fun games on weekends, outdoor retreats, or collaborative workshops are excellent ways to bring teams together. These initiatives help employees build trust, improve communication, and foster camaraderie in a fun and engaging setting. By participating in these shared experiences, employees feel more connected to their colleagues, creating a stronger sense of teamwork and boosting overall engagement.
Try to maximize the 7 C’s of team building while planning for the activities:
- Communication: There should be a smooth flow of communication among the employee teams.
- Collaboration: Employees must collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Commitment: Every employee team member should be committed to their team’s success.
- Competence: Employees should have the skills and knowledge to contribute effectively.
- Confidence: Employees should have confidence in each other’s capabilities as team members.
- Creativity: The activities should promote creative thinking.
- Cohesion: The teams should work well together and be united to reach the goal.
- Employee Feedback Systems: Employee feedback systems, such as surveys, suggestion boxes, or one-on-one check-ins, provide a platform for employees to share their thoughts and ideas. These systems encourage open communication and show that the organization values employee input. When feedback is actively sought and implemented, it boosts trust, morale, and engagement, as employees feel heard and empowered to contribute to workplace improvements.
- Employee Wellness Programs: Wellness programs focus on improving employees’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Initiatives like fitness challenges, mental health resources, yoga sessions, or access to counseling services promote a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. By supporting employee wellness, organizations not only reduce stress and burnout but also create a positive and engaged workforce that feels cared for and motivated.
“62% of engaged employees feel their work positively affects their physical health. However, when it comes to disengaged employees, this number drops to 39% and a mere 22% among actively disengaged employees. Out of these self-assessed disengaged employees, 54% say their work life has a negative effect on their health, while 51% see a negative effect on their well-being.”
Source: Forbes: Your Employee Engagement Strategy Needs More Wellness
These were just a few initiatives to improve employee engagement, each aimed at creating a more motivated and connected workforce. Beyond these, you can explore other measures, such as allowing employees to dedicate time to passion projects or offering flexible working hours. Small yet thoughtful changes like these can go a long way in building a happier, more engaged workplace where employees feel valued and inspired to contribute their best.