Organizations around the globe and across industries are dealing with talent shortages and a tight labor market. Boosting employee engagement can be the key to reducing turnover, attracting top talent, and building high-performing teams.

“Research confirms that engagement leads to increased retention, productivity, and work quality and up to 59.7% of employee performance is influenced by it. Research also confirms that engagement is not just about the leader,” writes Laurie Cure, an executive coach, in a recent Fast Company article. “While many promote the leader’s exclusive role in determining engagement, the reality is there are numerous organizational factors that drive an employee’s ability to bring their full selves to work and be an engaged team member.”

What can managers do to increase employee engagement and create better work teams? “Leaders wanting to create high-performing teams need to position themselves to not only address employees’ needs but also navigate and negotiate change within the broader organizational system,” Cure states. “In 2023, make it easier for your employees to stay rather than leave.”

According to Cure, employees are most concerned about these areas::

• Leadership that inspires confidence and trust. “In ambiguous times, employees want a sense that their organization and leaders can offer job security and stability amidst the rough waters,” Cure explains.
• Compensation to keep up with economic uncertainty. “Getting creative and considering offerings to support wellness and mental health, student loan debt, pay, and access to mentors and coaches can make the difference,” Cure adds. 
• Greater work-life balance. “For employees, flexible work schedules, including hybrid work, the ability to choose their work hours, job shares, and additional time off options are among the needs expressed,” Cure writes.

For details, read “This is how managers can create high-performing teams.”