What Exactly Does Employee Engagement Mean?
Executives and experienced managers understand that an organization’s most important asset is its talent. In order for employees to fuel the company’s growth to their best potential, they need to feel engaged at work and satisfied with their jobs. Gallup’s 2022 State of the Global Workplace report found that businesses with engaged workers have 23% higher profit compared with businesses with unsatisfied workers. But what exactly does employee engagement mean and what are the elements that affect it? In order to strive toward greater engagement for your employees, it’s necessary to take a deep dive into this concept.
Understanding Employee Engagement
Various HR experts may define employee engagement a little differently. Some might emphasize it as a feeling of mental and emotional connectedness with the workplace and the company’s mission. Others might define it as enthusiasm toward and commitment to the workplace and mission. Still others might say that it’s a feeling of being invested in the organization.
All of these definitions are correct. Employee engagement is a multifaceted, complex concept that, in general, describes an employee’s feelings toward the organization. Employee feelings are significant because they can translate directly to productivity. Furthermore, significant numbers of disengaged employees in the workplace can tarnish the reputation of an organization.
Taking a Look at Employee Disengagement
It can be helpful to take a look at what employee engagement is NOT. Whereas an engaged employee may go above and beyond their job responsibilities, a disengaged employee may only do the bare minimum required. Disengaged employees watch the clock, eager to leave the second 5 p.m. arrives. They avoid contributing to group discussions and meetings; they may socially isolate themselves outside of gatherings and, in general, they can damage office morale.
Comparing Engaged and Disengaged Employees
If you were to look at an engaged employee and a disengaged employee side-by-side, you’d notice that the engaged employee tends to be optimistic, team-oriented, solutions-driven and passionate about improvement. In contrast, the disengaged employee will come off as pessimistic and self-centered, with a negative attitude.
Are you seeing higher team engagement in your workplace? Are you seeking new ways to find a way to motivate and engage your employees? Build a happier, more productive workplace with help from the experienced executive coaches at Crosworks. We specialize in inspiring, training and supporting high-performing talent. Contact us today to learn more.