Since the world of work is always in a state of flux, it is unsurprising that we are seeing shifts in expectations surrounding employee engagement. For many years, employee engagement has been synonymous with material incentives, with employees often being expected to work long hours and sacrifice personal time for their jobs.
Now, employees are being more assertive about what they want out of their careers and, as a result, organisations have looked to become more employee-centric – offering flexible work arrangements, more focus on career conversations, more access to development, and prioritising initiatives that foster a more positive and fulfilling work environment.
Despite this, employee engagement statistics remain low. Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2024 report reveals that only 20% of employees worldwide are engaged at work. This triggers decreased productivity, higher turnover rates, and lower levels of organisational performance, costing the global economy $8.9 trillion USD annually, or 9% of the global GDP.
It is indisputable, then, that an engaged workforce is not just a ‘nice-to-have,’ but a necessity for the success of the modern workplace.
It must be recognised that beyond seeking professional growth and fulfilment in their roles, there is a growing need for a sense of purpose, belonging, and human connection. In order to feel fully engaged and committed to their work, employees want to feel like they truly matter.
We also see younger generations entering and challenging the workforce with fresh perspectives. Technological advancements, from AI to automation, are reshaping industries and redefining jobs. There is an increased emphasis on skills, adaptability, and the ability to learn new things, rather than relying solely on traditional qualifications. The gig economy is also expanding, offering freelance and contract-based work, which challenges the traditional notion of a singular, permanent job.
So, the workplace is evolving rapidly, but employees remain eager to contribute and stay relevant… just in a different way. This requires a shift in employee engagement strategies, and it is a conversation that needs to become a higher priority for both Human Capital Professionals and Business Leaders.
At Joint Prosperity, we believe that the success of an organisation’s employee engagement strategy lies in its ability to tap into the intrinsic motivations of its people. Through our commitment to ‘re-humanisation,’ we aim to restore the human element in the modern workplace, enhancing connections and cultivating a more engaged and motivated workforce.
To achieve this, leaders and organisations need to prioritise:
- A Strong Sense of Purpose: Facilitate career conversations that go beyond professional goals to uncover employees’ personal values. By helping employees understand how their roles contribute to a larger vision, we can empower them to set meaningful career objectives. This approach is backed by recent evidence indicating that employees with a sense of purpose are 4.1 times more likely to remain engaged and committed to their organisation (cited in Gartner’s Achieving High Performance 2023 Survey).
- Personalised Employee Experiences: Leverage data-driven insights to create tailored people practices that address the unique needs of each employee. This adaptability ensures that engagement remains effective and responsive to changing circumstances.
- Flexible Work Environments: While many organisations are returning to traditional office settings post the pandemic, it is important to recognise that there are many employment options which support an employee’s need for flexibility and an organisation’s need to remain agile. Choose to embrace remote and hybrid work models that provide employees with the autonomy they often desire.
- Empathetic Leaders: Leaders should actively focus on creating a positive and supportive environment where every individual feels empowered to be authentic and has the autonomy to excel in their work. This will help foster a culture of high performance.
- Investment in Employee Well-Being: Prioritise the mental, physical, and emotional health of employees by offering bespoke and holistic well-being programmes. A commitment to actively shaping a supportive work culture reflects the belief that when we invest in our people, they will invest in us.
Revitalising your employee engagement strategy and fostering a more human-centric company culture does not have to feel overwhelming. At Joint Prosperity, we work with organisations and leaders to improve their engagement strategies, build energised cultures, and craft employee value propositions that speak to the intrinsic needs of their employees and DNA of their businesses. Partner with us today where we can serve as your strategic partner in this journey – meetus@jp.co.za
Sources:
- Forbes, 2024. The New Rules for Increasing Engagement at Work. https://www.forbes.com/sites/tracybrower/2024/04/21/how-to-increase-employee-engagement/
- Gartner, 2024. HR Leaders Monthly. New Normal, New Expectations.
- Gallup, 2024. State of the Global Workplace Report.