Employee engagement is the emotional commitment the employee has to the organization and its goals - Kevin Kruse

Employee engagement has become a decisive factor in whether a remote or hybrid workplace has a healthy, productive staff or high turnover rates that stifle an organization's growth.

Low employee engagement indicates that employees are less likely to be productive, motivated, and committed to their work. A lack of employee engagement can also lead to high levels of turnover, which can be costly for businesses.

Employee retention, consumer loyalty, organizational performance, and stakeholder value all benefit from high levels of engagement.

A recent study by Gallup found that only 36% of U.S. employees are engaged in their workplace. 

Leaders need to notice the indicators of employee disengagement as soon as feasible and take steps to address them.

Here are five of the most common employee engagement challenges and how to overcome them:

1. Defining Employee Engagement

One of the biggest challenges in maintaining high levels of employee engagement is defining what it means. What behaviors or attitudes constitute engagement?

The answer will vary from business to business, but some general principles can be applied in most cases. Engaged employees are typically passionate about their work and feel a sense of ownership and responsibility for their team or organization. They are also highly engaged with their customers or clients.

2. Creating a Culture of Engagement

Even if you have a clear definition of employee engagement, creating a culture where it is nurtured and encouraged can be difficult. Many organizations struggle to build a positive work environment where employees feel comfortable being themselves and speaking up about their ideas.

There are a few things you can do to create a culture of engagement:

-Encourage open communication and be willing to listen to employee feedback.

-Create an atmosphere of trust and respect.

-Set achievable goals and celebrate successes together.

3. Recognizing and Rewarding Employees

Recognizing and rewarding employees for their accomplishments is one of the most effective strategies to increase employee engagement. However, if you don't know what motivates your team, this might be tough to execute effectively.

Some common ways to recognize and reward employees include:

-Giving them feedback on their work

-Acknowledging their achievements in front of their peers

-Providing them with opportunities for development and growth

-Offering financial incentives

4. Dealing with Disengagement

Even the best managers will occasionally face periods of disengagement among their employees. It can be due to several factors, such as low morale, poor work/life balance, or lack of direction.

If you notice that a significant number of your employees are disengaged, there are a few things you can do to try and re-engage them:

-Talk to them about their concerns and find out what might be causing their disengagement.

-Encourage them to get involved in a team or organizational activities.

-Ask them for their input on how to improve things.

-Provide them with training and development opportunities.

5. Managing Change

One of the most difficult things to manage in any business is change. When you’re trying to maintain high levels of employee engagement, it can be even more challenging. When there are changes in the workplace, employees may feel anxious or apprehensive.

There are a few things you can do to manage change effectively and minimize the impact on employee engagement:

-Communicate the changes early and often.

-Make sure everyone is aware of their role in the new system.

-Encourage employees to ask questions and provide feedback.

-Make sure there is a clear plan in place for implementing the changes.

How Leaders Can Increase Employee Engagement 

Virtual activities are a great way to increase employee engagement. By providing opportunities for employees to interact and connect virtually, HR managers can create a sense of community and camaraderie that will boost morale and keep employees motivated.

There are several ways to incorporate virtual activities into the workplace. Here are a few ideas:

1. Hold virtual happy hours or coffee breaks.

2. Provide opportunities for employees to connect and network via online forums or chat rooms.

3. Encourage employees to participate in online learning and development courses or programs.

4. Offer incentives for employees who complete virtual activities, such as gift cards or extra vacation days.

HR managers can use the fun and engaging activities on Hermis that fit their unique organizational needs to keep their employees engaged. They can create a more engaged and productive team by adding Hermis' activities into the onboarding process and daily meetings. 

Employee engagement management is a demanding undertaking. By understanding the employee engagement challenges, HR managers can create a more positive and productive work environment for their team.