Why Employee Engagement is the Hidden Driver of Company Performance

Employee engagement refers to the emotional commitment and connection an employee has toward their work, their team, and the organisation they work in. It's more than just job satisfaction, it’s about how motivated, involved, and enthusiastic employees are about their roles.

Engaged employees:

• Go above and beyond in their work

• Feel aligned with the company’s values and mission

• Are more productive, loyal, and innovative

• Contribute actively to a positive workplace culture

Disengaged employees may:

• Do the bare minimum
• Show little enthusiasm
• Become actively unproductive
• Affect morale
• Reduce collaboration
• Significantly affect company performance

Effective employee engagement is created by strong leadership, clear communication, recognition, personal development opportunities, and tools and processes that empower employees to feel heard and supported.

Employee engagement is a vital component of organisational success. Addressing low engagement levels is essential to improving productivity, reducing turnover, and encouraging a positive, thriving work environment. Investing in employee engagement strategies is not just beneficial, it's essential for sustainable growth and competitiveness.

• Only 10% of UK employees are engaged at work, placing the UK among the lowest globally for workforce engagement.
• This disengagement is costing the UK economy over £257 billion annually, equivalent to 11.3% of GDP.
• In Ireland, similar trends suggest that disengagement is a significant concern, impacting productivity and employee satisfaction.

The engagement of employees is often overlooked but is crucial to driving overall company performance. 

Engaged employees are more productive, committed, and aligned with the company's goals. They are more likely to go above and beyond in their roles, leading to higher quality work, improved safety standards, and better project outcomes.

Furthermore, engaged employees tend to have lower turnover rates, reducing the costs and disruptions associated with recruiting and training new staff. In an industry where skilled labour is at a premium, maintaining a stable and motivated workforce can provide a significant competitive advantage.

With diverse workforces spanning multiple generations, from Baby Boomers to Generation Z. Each generation has unique communication preferences and expectations, which can create challenges in creating effective communication and collaboration.

To bridge these gaps, it is essential to adopt a multi-faceted communication strategy that includes traditional methods such as face-to-face meetings and printed materials, as well as digital tools. 

Understanding and respecting the communication styles of different age groups can help in creating an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued and heard.

Employee engagement platforms play a vital role in enhancing connectivity and communication across dispersed teams. These platforms provide a centralised hub where employees can access important information, share updates, feel supported and recognised, and collaborate on ideas in real-time. Features such as discussion forums, feedback tools, and recognition modules can help in build a sense of community and belonging.

By using these platforms, HR managers and business leaders can gain valuable insights into employee sentiment and engagement levels. This data and insights can be used to identify areas for improvement and to implement targeted initiatives that enhance overall employee experience and productivity.

Given the rising costs of employee disengagement, including lost productivity, increased turnover, and low morale, organisations can no longer afford to rely on outdated communication methods or generic engagement strategies. Investing in a dedicated employee engagement platform like Thrive offers a scalable, modern solution to these challenges.

Employee engagement platforms help organisations connect directly with all employees, especially those in dispersed, frontline, or non-desk roles, ensuring everyone feels informed, valued, and involved. 

By centralising communication, recognition, feedback, and resources in one easy-to-use mobile platform, companies can dramatically improve employee experience, trust, and alignment with company goals.

Employee engagement platforms are proven to:

• Boost engagement by making communication two-way and accessible
• Increase retention by helping employees feel seen and supported
• Improve productivity by ensuring the right information reaches the right people at the right time

In a work environment where disengagement can cost millions annually, the Return On Investment of a tool that builds a stronger, more connected workforce is not just compelling, it’s essential!

Cultivating a culture of engagement is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process that requires commitment and strategic planning. HR managers and business leaders should prioritise initiatives that promote employee wellbeing, professional development, and recognition. Regular feedback and open communication channels are essential in ensuring that employees feel valued and heard.

Investing in employee engagement not only boosts morale and productivity but also strengthens the company's reputation as an employer of choice. This, in turn, attracts top talent and fosters long-term success.

When it comes to improving employee engagement, not all platforms and providers are the same. Work with Thrive for an easy-to-use app that’s purpose-built for connecting dispersed, frontline, and non-desk teams, something many larger platforms overlook. Unlike providers focused solely on social feeds or messaging, Thrive delivers focused, clutter-free communication, real-time updates, employee recognition, all designed with simplicity and impact in mind. With more than 14 year's proven success across public and private sectors in Ireland and the UK, and beyond, Thrive combines regional expertise with outstanding tried and tested customer support to deliver engagement that actually works.

Predicting the Return On Investment in a new solution to a 'newish' problem is difficult.   However, the cost of inaction is high!

Engaged employees are more productive, more loyal, and more aligned with your mission. 

In a competitive talent market, how you engage your people is how you grow and succeed.