Having strong employee morale and well-being at your organization sets you apart from others in terms of retention, productivity, and overall success. However, according to Gallup's 2024 report on the current economic state of the global workplace, employee well-being dropped in 2023.
In this blog, we will discuss the current trends and insights in employee engagement and workplace culture and provide tips and tricks to enhance your organization's well-being to ensure company-wide success.
In recent years, mental well-being has declined, especially among employees under 35. Over the last decade, stress, sadness, anxiety, and anger have become increasingly common, with 41% of employees reporting high stress levels. This is worse in poorly managed companies, where employees are 60% more likely to experience stress. Improving management practices can significantly reduce these issues.
Loneliness is a significant concern, especially among remote workers. Globally, 20% of employees report feelings of loneliness, with this figure rising to 25% among fully remote workers. The impact of social isolation and chronic loneliness on both physical and mental health is profound. Younger employees are more affected by loneliness than their older counterparts. While online interactions can alleviate some feelings of loneliness, in-person interactions remain the most effective. Organizations need to foster social connections through regular offsite events or diverse Slack channels to combat this issue.
Managers play a crucial role in shaping employee engagement, accounting for 70% of the variance in team engagement levels. Unfortunately, managers often experience more negative daily experiences and are more likely to seek new job opportunities when disengaged compared to non-managers. Gallup estimates that low employee engagement costs the global economy $8.9 trillion, or 9% of global GDP. Employers need to provide appropriate benefits and flexibility to support employee well-being, but the most effective strategy lies in building productive, high-performing teams through engaged and supported managers.
In countries with struggling job markets, employee engagement tends to be lower. Poor job markets correlate with higher levels of active disengagement among workers. Disengaged employees often feel trapped in jobs they dislike due to economic constraints, leading to dissatisfaction and reduced productivity.
In countries with both low labor rights and high labor rights, there is a direct correlation between high employee engagement and optimistic outlooks for the future. When employees are engaged and feel valued, they are more likely to have positive expectations about their futures. This suggests that fostering employee engagement can significantly impact workers' attitudes and aspirations.
Employee engagement is vital for organizational success. It reduces turnover by fostering a strong connection to the workplace, which increases employee commitment and decreases burnout. Engaged employees collaborate better, boosting productivity and driving the organization toward its goals. In short, investing in employee engagement is crucial for a company's overall health and success.
Hosting regular offsites can be a game-changer for team cohesion and creativity. Offsites provide an opportunity for employees to step away from the daily grind, collaborate in new ways, and build stronger relationships. Check out our offsite guide for tips on planning your next event.
Creating diverse Slack channels can help cultivate a more inclusive and engaged workplace culture. Channels dedicated to pets, parenting, hobbies, and more provide employees with spaces to connect over shared interests, building community and camaraderie.
Team office challenges are a fun and effective way to engage employees and encourage teamwork. Whether it’s a fitness challenge, a trivia contest, or a creative problem-solving exercise, these challenges can break up the routine, spark friendly competition, and foster a sense of unity.
Encouraging employees who live in close proximity to meet up in person can strengthen local connections and enhance the overall sense of community within your organization. Whether it's for a coffee, a co-working session, or a local event, these face-to-face interactions can build stronger relationships and foster collaboration.
Implementing a penpal system can bridge the gap between employees in different locations and create a sense of global community. Activities like exchanging Christmas cards, participating in a book exchange, or simply sharing experiences can help employees feel more connected to their colleagues around the world.
Encouraging Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) can provide valuable support and foster a sense of belonging among employees. ERGs offer a platform for employees to connect over shared identities and experiences, advocate for their needs, and drive positive change within the organization.
Meeting with every new hire can make a significant difference in their onboarding experience and long-term engagement. These meetings provide an opportunity to welcome new employees, set clear expectations, and make them feel valued from day one. Personal interactions with leadership can also help new hires feel more connected to the company's mission and culture.
Regular check-ins with employees are essential for maintaining open lines of communication and ensuring everyone feels supported. These check-ins can be informal or structured, providing a chance to discuss progress, address concerns, and offer feedback. Consistent communication helps build trust, keeps employees engaged, and ensures they have the resources they need to succeed.
Epoch is an employee experience software that empowers teams to create and manage events that boost excitement, engagement, and morale in the workplace. With Epoch, users have access to a comprehensive dashboard that simplifies event planning, communication scheduling via Slack and Email, and post-event surveys, making it easier than ever to organize impactful and memorable experiences for employees.
Epoch is trusted by leading companies like Asana, Toast, Miro, Braze, and more. These organizations have streamlined their event planning processes and boosted employee engagement using Epoch's intuitive platform. Interested to learn more? Book a demo today.
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