Log in
Start for free

Glossary Item

Employee Engagement

Employee engagement is defined as employees’ emotional investment in their work – in terms of the passion they put into their work and the motivation they feel to do their job well. It is more than just a buzzword in the realm of business; it's the engine that powers a productive and satisfied workforce.
Home

/

Glossary

/

Employee Engagement

Table of Contents

Share

What is Employee Engagement?

At its core, employee engagement reflects the emotional commitment and enthusiasm employees have toward their company and its goals. This isn’t about employee happiness or satisfaction alone—it’s about how invested employees are in contributing to the company’s success and how that investment translates into their daily work. It’s the total employee experience.

Simon Sinek, the author of “Start With Why,” describes employee engagement in the simplest of terms: “When people are financially invested, they want a return. When people are emotionally invested, they want to contribute.”

Unlock the next level of growth today!

Whale is the simple yet powerful standard operating procedure software.
Explore the easiest way to document, train and measure SOPs today!

Book a demo
Start now, it's free

No CC needed

What is the impact of employee engagement on business?

Gallup reveals that highly engaged teams show 21% greater profitability. This underscores the crucial impact of employee engagement on a company’s bottom line. 

Engaged employees often go the extra mile, driving innovation and moving the company forward. Their proactive attitude not only enhances productivity but also fosters a positive work environment that reduces turnover rates.

But employees who are engaged and love their work don’t only impact the bottom line. It turns out better engagement results in;

Increased employee retention

Engaged employees are less likely to seek employment elsewhere. According to a study by the Corporate Leadership Council, highly engaged employees are 87% less likely to leave their company than their disengaged counterparts. This stability can significantly reduce hiring and training costs.

Enhanced customer satisfaction

Engaged employees often go beyond the call of duty to ensure customer satisfaction, leading to improved service quality and higher customer loyalty. This correlation is critical, especially in service-oriented industries where employee interaction directly affects the customer experience.

Boost in creativity and innovation

When employees feel connected to their workplace, they’re more likely to contribute ideas and innovations that can lead to new products, services, or processes. This creative input is vital for a company’s growth and adaptation in a competitive market.

Reduction in absenteeism

Engaged employees are more present and punctual. A study by Gallup highlighted that highly engaged business units see a 41% reduction in absenteeism. This reliability ensures smoother operations and better team dynamics.

Healthier work environment

High levels of engagement are often associated with a more positive work atmosphere, which can lead to better physical and mental health among employees. This positive environment is conducive to professional growth and personal well-being, further feeding into the cycle of engagement.

Stronger employer brand

Companies with high employee engagement are viewed more favorably by potential job applicants. This reputation can make it easier to attract top talent, especially in industries where skilled professionals are scarce.

What are the 8 elements of employee engagement?

Understanding the elements of employee engagement can help identify what motivates employees to give their best. 

Whilst there may be more factors that drive employee engagement, here are the top 8;

  1. A stellar onboarding process that inspires confidence and excitement in a new team member, integrates them into the culture and value of the company, and incorporates SOP training to set clear expectations and workflows.
  2. Positive work culture that includes feedback and communication which is transparent and constructive and where individuals feel like they matter and can make a contribution.
  3. Access to the right tools that promote productivity and help streamline processes.
  4. Great leadership where leaders demonstrate the company values and inspire the mission and vision.
  5. Alignment with Goals: Employees understand and align with the company’s vision and objectives.
  6. Recognition, reward and regular acknowledgment of employees’ contributions.
  7. Professional Growth where opportunities are provided for learning and career advancement.
  8. Work-life balance and well-being that respects personal life without compromising work quality.

How to improve employee engagement?

Improving employee engagement can seem daunting, but several strategies can make a significant impact:

  • Empower with the right tools: Provide the tools and resources necessary for employees to perform their tasks efficiently.
  • Create a culture of recognition: Regularly recognize and reward hard work and achievements.
  • Encourage autonomy: Allow employees the freedom to approach tasks in their own way, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.
  • Offer development opportunities: Implement training programs and workshops to help employees advance their skills and careers.
  • Foster inclusivity: Cultivate a workplace where every voice is heard and valued, enhancing team cohesion and engagement.

How to measure employee engagement?

Measuring employee engagement helps in understanding its effectiveness and areas for improvement. Common methods include:

  • Surveys and questionnaires: Regularly distribute engagement surveys to gauge employee sentiments and identify trends.
  • One-on-one meetings: Conduct regular one-to-one meetings to discuss concerns, ideas, and feelings, providing a more personal approach to engagement.
  • Performance metrics: Monitor changes in productivity and quality of work as indicators of engagement levels.
  • Exit interviews: Gather insights from departing employees to identify engagement issues that may not be evident through other methods.

Employee engagement is business-critical

In essence, nurturing employee engagement is akin to tending a garden—it requires patience, care, and the right strategies to flourish. By focusing on key elements such as alignment with company goals, recognition, and professional growth, and by effectively measuring engagement levels, companies can ensure a motivated workforce. 

This not only drives profitability but also creates a workplace where employees are genuinely excited to contribute.

Discover how we can support your business with:

SOP & Process Documentation

Create and share better documentation faster

Employee Training & Onboarding​

Deliver relevant and engaging training

Process compliance & operations

Enhance the effectiveness of your operations

Companies running on EOS ®

Learn how to master Whale’s features
Picture of Lisa Steingold

Lisa Steingold

Lisa Steingold is the Content Marketing Manager for Whale. She's authored 4 books and is obsessed with helping teams unlock the next level of growth. (And riding her bicycle)

Posts you might like

Onboard, train and elevate your team
with Whale

Whale is AI-powered software for documenting processes and training.

Book a demo
Start now, it's free

No CC needed