A study* by Hewitt Associates in Europe shows that only 16% of companies have succeeded in increasing employee engagement.
Engagement refers to the mobilization of employees for the success of the company, their pride in working there and employer loyalty. Worldwide, at least 50% of companies noticed a net decrease in employee engagement in Q2 of 2010. According to Hewitt Associates, the difficulties can be explained in part by the economic crisis and the resulting stress for employees, which lead to a decrease in engagement at a time it was most required.
The Hewitt study showed that successful organisations have seven points in common. Such companies:
• Define a very specific objective for their engagement surveys, which assess the impact of business and HR strategies
• Hold leaders accountable for taking action
• Take action in areas with an immediate, visible impact for employees
• Involve employees in identifying actions
• Understand what engages high-potential employees
• Identify and measure employee expectations
• Demonstrate links between engagement, leadership behaviours and business performance
* The Future of Engagement, Hewitt Associates, September 2010