What do all companies have in common? Employees who make it possible to do what they do. But what do all successful companies have in common? They understand that those employees are their most valuable asset. And they act accordingly! Successful companies emphasize the importance of creating a positive work environment for their employees. In fact, 88% of the C-suite reported that improving culture and engagement is a top priority this year.
So, what exactly is employee engagement? It’s all about the level of passion, dedication, and commitment that employees have towards their work and the organization as a whole. Engaged employees are like superstars, going above and beyond their job requirements, resulting in higher productivity and overall performance. And guess what? They’re also more likely to stick around, reducing turnover rates and saving you money.
Now, here’s the reality check: many organizations struggle with employee engagement. The modern workplace throws all kinds of challenges our way, from remote work arrangements to generational differences.
But fear not! We’re here to help you unpack employee engagement — what it is, why it’s important, the factors that influence it, and most importantly, practical strategies for creating a culture of engagement. Let’s get started!
Definition of Employee Engagement
First things first! Employee engagement is defined as the emotional and intellectual connection that employees have with their work, their team, and their organization as a whole. It’s about more than just job satisfaction — it’s about an employee’s sense of commitment, level of motivation, and overall sense of connection with the company’s goals and values.
When employees are engaged, they feel a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment in their roles. They’re passionate, driven, and actively contribute to the success of their team. And it’s easy to see: these types of employees are always going the extra mile, taking initiative, and seeking opportunities for growth and development.
But, this is not to be confused with job satisfaction — that’s a whole different ball game! Job satisfaction is more about being content with the job and the perks that come with it. Employee engagement, on the other hand, is about that emotional bond and a sense of purpose towards achieving the company’s goals!
Companies that have high employee engagement tend to have really a strong company culture that emphasizes appreciation, which creates a sense of belonging among team members.
Why is Employee Engagement Important?
Employee engagement is the secret ingredient for a successful and thriving workplace — it’s what sets amazing companies apart from average ones. When employees are engaged, they feel super dedicated to their work, and it’s ripple effects can be seen and felt throughout the entire company. Here are some of the top benefits of having a team of highly engaged employees:
Increased Productivity and Performance
Engaged employees are driven by that sense of purpose and connection to their work, going above and beyond to achieve the organization’s goals. They take ownership, show initiative, and are hungry for growth – talk about a powerhouse team!
Enhanced Employee Retention and Loyalty
Who wants to constantly hire and onboard new employees? No one! Well, employee engagement is a major key to employee retention. When employees feel valued and fulfilled, they stick around for the long haul.
Improved Job Satisfaction and Morale
Employees that are highly engaged are proven to have higher levels of overall job satisfaction. They find meaning and accomplishment in their work, which boosts positivity in the workplace — meaning the vibes are happy and positive around the office!
Positive Impact on Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty
Engaged employees are the secret ingredient for happy customers! They rock at providing top-notch service, understanding needs, and resolving issues with finesse. Happy customers mean happy times for your company!
Reduced Employee Turnover
Engaged employees show up and show out! They’re personally invested in their work and the organization, leading to fewer unplanned absences. Plus, they’re not itching to leave because they’re loving where they are — saving you time, energy, and resources on rehiring and training costs!
Financial Benefits and ROI of Employee Engagement
Cha-ching! While the value of engagement goes beyond dollars, it’s no joke for the bottom line. Engaged employees mean higher productivity, happier customers, and lower turnover costs. The result? Improved financial performance and a killer return on investment!
Employee Engagement Ideas
Empower Employees with Helpful Tools
Set your team up for success! Equip your employees with top-notch tools, snazzy software, and all the gadgets they need to make work a breeze. It’s also a good idea to take the time to provide valuable training to your new-hires.
And don’t stop there! Offer all of your employees — no matter how long they’ve been there — the opportunity to build their skillset with access to free training, courses, or books. When they’ve got everything they need at their fingertips, you’ll have a team that’s fired up and ready to go!
Offer Cool Company Swag
All the cool kids are doing it! Today, companies are making custom swag boxes for employees feel like an awesome, exclusive perk. Deck your team out with high-quality branded products that they’ll *actually* like — custom sweatshirts, branded hats, insulated water bottles, premium office supplies, luxury branded swag… you name it!
When you offer cool company swag, your employees will rock that logo with pride! It’s not just about looking good, but also about feelin’ like part of a kickass team.
Give Feedback and Recognition
Never underestimate the power of communication, feedback, and most importantly — recognition! It’s all about getting the good vibes going. Regular shoutouts and high-fives go a long way — so be sure to give credit where credit is due. And do it often! It’s important to celebrate wins, no matter how big or small, in order to keep employees engaged.
Always keep an open line of communication with your employees. And when it’s time to dish out that constructive feedback, do it with positivity. After all, it’s all about growing together!
Celebrate with Employee Appreciation Gifts
It’s SO important for employees to feel recognized and appreciated — and what better way to show them how much you care than with employee appreciation gifts? In fact, 77% of employees report that receiving gifts from their employer make them feel appreciated. After all, gifts are psychologically proven to trigger the areas in our brain associated with pleasure, trust, and social connection!
So go ahead and make your employees feel all warm & fuzzy with curated employee gifts like branded headphones and custom t-shirts — and watch as they become even more engaged, motivated, and productive! P.S. Be sure to check out these awesome employee gift ideas!
Host Fun Company Events
Party time! Organizing fun company events is a great way to boost employee engagement. Whether it’s an offsite retreat, a themed office party, or a big swanky soiree, company events are a great way for employees to spend time together outside of their usual work routines. They’ll be able to bond, laugh, and create memories together — and what could be more engaging than that?!
The Long-term Impact of Employee Engagement
One of best parts about employee engagement is the long-term impact it has on a company. It’s not just a quick fix or a passing fad – here are a few long-term benefits of investing in employee engagement:
Enhanced Company Culture
Employee engagement now can change company culture for the future! Engaged employees live and breathe their company core values, and the camaraderie creates a true sense of belonging. As engagement becomes part of the culture, it attracts more like-minded folks who are totally on-board with the company’s mission.
Increased Innovation and Creativity
Employee engagement ignites innovation and creativity — meaning companies with engaged employees are much more likely to have freedom to share ideas, take risks, and think outside the box. It’s like a brainstorming bonanza, leading to awesome products, services, and strategies that set the company apart!
Improved Organizational Performance
Let’s talk results! Employee engagement pumps up overall productivity — and that leads to real, measurable results. When engaged employees are driven, innovative, and committed to crushing those organizational goals, companies experience improved financial results, a bigger slice of the market pie, and a one-up in the industry.
Positive Impact on Employee Well-being
Engagement is a great way to boost employee wellness. It lowers stress, burnout, and turnover thoughts – talk about good vibes all around! Those engaged peeps find purpose and joy in their work, leading to better mental health and overall well-being. Companies that invest in engagement create a supportive environment where wellness and balance reign supreme!
Written by Torrance Hart. Updated Aug. 2023.