Only 32% of U.S. employees feel fully engaged at work, marking one of the lowest levels of employee engagement in over a decade. A staggering 4.8 million fewer employees are committed to their work and workplace compared to the end of 2023, with workers increasingly less likely to feel that someone at work cares about them. Disengagement poses a severe challenge for employers who invest significant resources and finances into attracting top talent, to see them leave for another company with better pay, sign-on incentives, or job perks. Even for employers with high retention rates, it remains a critical issue as disengaged employees lead to diminished productivity, low morale, and financial losses.
However, there are steps that companies can take to improve employee engagement. Fair compensation remains crucial during economic uncertainty, but higher pay isn’t among the top benefits employees want in 2024. Instead, those considering a job change are increasingly driven by benefits prioritizing their well-being, including healthcare, better work-life balance, and improved overall benefits. A positive company culture, providing support, and offering perks can boost motivation and innovation. Here are five strategies to help you cultivate a more engaged workforce.
1. Build a Strong Company Culture
Over half of workers across the globe feel they can’t share aspects of their identity at work.
A strong company culture fosters a sense of belonging, purpose, and community, making employees feel part of something meaningful.
Organizations can take various approaches to create a positive work environment. For example, one-on-one interactions between workers and management, employee appreciation programs, and team-building exercises can help build community throughout the organization.
2. Give Employees the Resources and Support They Need to Succeed
Employees can only excel when equipped with the right tools and knowledge. This may include:
- Modern equipment
- New technology
- Software
- Comprehensive training
- Routine feedback
A robust support system begins with effective onboarding. Integrating a new hire is key to setting them up for success, introducing them to the company culture, training them to use organizational tools, and ensuring they’re comfortable in the role.
But learning doesn’t stop there. As technology advances rapidly, continuous training is essential for staying competitive. Ongoing education encourages growth and enhances job security by improving internal hiring programs.
3. Show Employees They’re Valued
“Employees are your greatest asset” is a frequently cited phrase highlighting how employees contribute to an organization’s success. However, employees want to be seen as more than just an asset. Showing them their value means knowing them as people beyond the workplace and recognizing their needs. It also means observing the value they bring to the organization.
Showing appreciation for the duties performed by your employees is a vital part of making them feel valued. Share positive feedback when:
- You see specific achievements
- They reach career milestones
- They take on duties contributing to organizational improvement
Whenever possible, tailor incentives and rewards to personal preferences to increase employee engagement.
4. Encourage Teamwork and Collaboration
Employers can encourage teamwork and collaboration in several ways to promote a sense of belonging.
Begin by developing diverse and inclusive teams to benefit from different perspectives. Define team roles and build trust within teams to promote healthy communication. Team building activities outside the workplace offer an opportunity to make authentic connections that will increase employee morale and a sense of camaraderie. Gamification of virtual events can be an excellent option for team building when your workforce includes remote and hybrid workers. Effective teamwork contributes to organizational goals to drive success with increased innovation, motivation, and engagement.
5. Provide Comprehensive Benefits
Employee benefits are vital to an enticing compensation package. The benefits you offer can be the deciding factor in staying at the company and have the power to positively or negatively impact overall well-being.
Healthcare and flexibility are among the top benefits employees seek. Providing comprehensive healthcare plans and creating schedules that support flexible work hours and paid leave help meet employees’ needs and improve their overall well-being.
Try to learn what benefits employees are currently looking for. Surveys, meetings, and one-on-one communication can help you determine this.
Engagement in the workplace is an essential driver of performance, productivity, and innovation. The continued decline in employee engagement can substantially impact individual employees, organizations, and the economy. Organizations that try to improve this situation enjoy improved recruitment, retention, and many more benefits.
Here at Vistatec, we prioritize supporting our staff members with an environment that provides continuous opportunities for learning and development and programs that improve employee well-being. Contact us to learn more about our organization’s operations and available positions.