What is Employee Engagement and Why is it Important?
Published by Beatrice Speck
13 March 2024
What exactly is Employee Engagement?
Employee engagement is where passion meets productivity. It activates when employees feel a sense of purpose in what they do, feel valued by their organisation, and are motivated to succeed. Employee engagement helps you measure and manage employees' perspectives on the crucial elements of your workplace culture.
Gallup defines employee engagement as the “involvement and enthusiasm of employees in their work and workplace. Employee engagement helps you measure and manage employees' perspectives on the crucial elements of your workplace culture.”
It's all about how connected and enthusiastic employees are about their work and workplace. It's that feeling of purpose and dedication that goes beyond just a paycheck. Think of it as the fuel that powers your team's productivity engine. Engaged employees aren't just meeting expectations; they're exceeding them with passion and commitment. They're the ones who bring their A-game every day and go the extra mile to make a difference.
Why should you care about Employee Engagement?
Let’s count the reasons:
1. Increased Productivity
Imagine this, your employees aren't just putting in the hours; they're putting in their best effort. When your team members feel connected to their work and understand how it contributes to the bigger picture, they're more likely to be proactive, efficient, and focused. That sense of purpose? We see it translated directly into higher productivity levels across the board.
2. Better Retention Rates
Turnover can be a drain on resources and morale. Engaged employees are happy campers who enjoy what they do and who they do it with. So, when it comes to sticking around, they're in it for the long haul. Say goodbye to the revolving door of hiring and training—engaged employees are here to stay.
3. Enhanced Creativity and Innovation
Engagement isn't just about ticking off tasks; it's about promoting an environment where employees feel encouraged to let their creative juices flow. When employees feel valued and empowered to contribute, they will be whipping up fresh ideas, shaking things up, and are more likely to think outside the box, driving innovation within your organisation. This culture of creativity can lead to groundbreaking solutions and a competitive edge in your industry.
4. Improved Customer Satisfaction
Picture this: your customers aren't just satisfied—they're over the moon! Why? When employees feel proud of their work and are committed to delivering quality service, it positively impacts customer interactions. Whether it's a friendly greeting, a helpful suggestion, or going the extra mile to solve a problem, engaged employees create memorable experiences that keep customers coming back for more.
5. Healthier Workplace Culture
You know what sucks? Toxic work environments. But when your team feels valued and respected, it's a game-changer. They collaborate better, communicate openly, and support each other through thick and thin. It's like having your own little cheer squad. And with that vibe, your team can tackle anything. They're like workplace superheroes—ready for any challenge.
6. Increased Employee Wellbeing
Happy employees, happy life! With engaged employees singing your praises, you've got a reputation that shines brighter than a diamond. Top talent? They're lining up at your door. Customers? They're loyal for life. When your organisation is known as a great place to work, everybody wants in!
7. Enhanced Organisational Reputation
Being a top workplace is a game-changer. It attracts top talent and boosts your brand. Engaged employees are more likely to become brand advocates, they're like walking billboards, sharing their positive experiences with friends, family, and professional networks. That word-of-mouth advertising? It's pure gold for bringing in new talent and customers, helping you stand out in a competitive market.
Is this legit?
Here’s some statistics…
More than half of employees (59%) are quiet quitting, i.e. leaving a job after fulfilling very minimal responsibilities. Quite quitters express their disengagement through a lack of enthusiasm in their tasks. [1]
Teams that have low engagement typically have higher turnover of staff, 18% to 43% higher than highly engaged teams. [2]
Companies with an engaged workforce are 21% more profitable and outperform their competitors by 147%. [3]
The global impact of disengaged employees, whether not engaged or actively disengaged, is striking. It results in a staggering loss of $8.8 trillion in productivity. [4]
Anova: Empowering Organisations with Data-Driven Insights:
With the goal to enhance employee engagement, organisations require actionable insights to understand the pulse of their workforce and identify areas for improvement. This is where Anova comes into play. As a leading workplace wellbeing and employee engagement survey platform, Anova uses science-backed surveys and data analytics to provide organisations with evidence-based insights into employee satisfaction and engagement levels, providing tailored recommendations for team managers.
Through customisable surveys and real-time analytics, Anova enables organisations to measure employee engagement effectively, identify key drivers, and implement targeted interventions to enhance engagement levels. From conducting pulse surveys to tracking employee feedback over time, Anova empowers organisations to make informed decisions that drive employee satisfaction, retention, and ultimately, business success.
Get in touch to find out how we can help you engage your employees best!