The Essence of Engagement: ‘Employee Connection’

Abstract

Engagement is essentially about the connection employees feel with their work, colleagues and leaders. The Microsoft Work Trend Index Annual Report 2021 reveals that 60% of team members feel less connected post-COVID-19, highlighting a significant issue. Factors like remote work have exacerbated this disconnect, negatively impacting collaboration. When employees lack connection, organisational performance suffers. The BetterUp report (2020) emphasises the importance of belonging at work, linking it to employee engagement and effectiveness. Addressing this disconnect is crucial. Many organisations use engagement surveys, but action is more important than assessment. Effective engagement requires continuous efforts to foster connection and belonging. Strategies include focusing on leadership behaviours, mutual respect, community engagement, wise use of technology, promoting emotional intelligence, fostering inclusion, investing in development, aligning horizontally, developing mid-level managers and giving a voice to the next generation. Understanding and prioritising employee connections is essential for building sustainable, thriving organisations.