According to a meta-analysis by the Gallup Organization, highly engaged organizations report 22% higher productivity and double the success rate compared to their less engaged counterparts. In addition, engagement is linked to lower absenteeism, reduced turnover, improved work quality, and enhanced overall health within the workplace.
Jim Harter Ph.D., a chief scientist at Gallup Research, defines engaged employees as those who want to come to work, understand their roles, and recognize how their contributions contribute to the organization’s success. Engaged employees go beyond their individual tasks; they are attentive, vigilant, and take ownership of their work and the organization’s results. Harter emphasizes that engaged employees continuously refine their roles, ensuring that each person has the opportunity to excel in what they do best. They also actively listen to those close to the operational front, fostering a connection between everyday tasks and the larger purpose or mission of the organization.
Despite the proven benefits of employee engagement, many companies struggle to foster it effectively. According to Harter, common pitfalls include measuring the wrong things, overloading with metrics, lacking actionable data, neglecting to integrate engagement into the overall strategy, and not providing sufficient education for managers to act on the results.
For those seeking to enhance engagement within their teams, a simple yet powerful approach is to focus on purpose. Clear communication about the organization’s purpose and how each employee’s role contributes to that purpose is crucial. Harter suggests that when employees “clearly know their role, have what they need to fulfill their role, and can see the connection between their role and the overall organizational purpose,” it creates a recipe for higher engagement levels.
To embark on the journey of improving engagement, people leaders can take specific steps:
Define and Communicate Purpose
Clearly articulate the organization’s purpose and mission. Ensure that this message is consistently communicated across all levels of the company.
Align Individual Roles with Organizational Purpose
Help employees understand how their individual roles contribute to the broader organizational objectives. This alignment fosters a sense of purpose and significance.
Provide Necessary Resources
Ensure that employees have the tools and resources needed to fulfill their roles effectively. This includes both tangible resources and opportunities for skill development.
Create a Feedback Loop
Establish channels for open communication and feedback. Engaged employees feel heard and valued when their opinions are considered, creating a positive feedback loop.
Invest in Manager Education
Equip managers with the knowledge and skills to interpret engagement data and take meaningful actions. This involves understanding the importance of engagement and knowing how to address specific challenges within their teams.
Celebrate Success and Foster a Positive Culture
Acknowledge and celebrate achievements, both individual and collective. A positive and supportive workplace culture is a key driver of employee engagement.
By focusing on purpose and taking these practical steps, people leaders can create an environment where employees feel connected, valued, and motivated to contribute their best efforts. In doing so, organizations can unlock the full potential of their workforce and reap the numerous benefits associated with high levels of employee engagement.