Want engaged employees? Focus on these 4 employee engagement strategies

USA Today

18 hours ago

Free snacks and 'employee of the month' plaques might feel like easy ways to engage your employees, but they barely scratch the surface. While fun perks can temporarily boost morale, lasting engagement is built on something more profound: connection, communication, appreciation and giving employees a voice.
At its core, engagement is an employee's emotional commitment to their work, their team and the organization's mission — and it's a critical driver of business success. When employees feel genuinely connected to their work, you get a team that repeatedly exceeds expectations, has higher productivity, lower absenteeism and less turnover. Gallup research shows engaged employees also report up to 70% higher well-being.
Here's what three HR professionals and company leaders say moves the engagement needle.
The 4 pillars of employee engagement in action
Improving engagement is easier said than done, but it's one of the most effective strategies for employee retention. It takes daily effort, clear communication and a culture that prioritizes people. These four pillars — connection, communication, appreciation and voice — can help leaders foster stronger relationships and build a workplace where employees feel seen, heard and motivated to do their best work.
According to Gallup, employees who have friends at work are seven times more likely to be engaged at their jobs.
'I would focus on improving connection by encouraging relationship building, specifically between co-workers,' explains Katie Smith, a director at a Fortune 500 company and founder of Get a Corporate Job.
But connection goes beyond having a work bestie. It also means fostering relationships with managers, team members and leaders and feeling aligned with their daily tasks and long-term goals. Employees want to connect with your organization's purpose and vision, so demonstrate how their work relates to your business goals.
When employees are left in the dark, they are more likely to feel disengaged. Frequent communication signals trust and respect, even when you don't have all the answers. In uncertain times, that kind of vulnerability can be one of your most powerful tools for engagement.
'Motivating a team starts with creating a culture of psychological safety, clarity and mutual accountability,' says Jennifer Schielke, the chief executive officer at Summit Group Solutions.
Good communication also means that employees understand what is expected of them, which is essential for creating a positive workplace culture. Yet according to a 2024 Gallup study, less than half of U.S. workers say they do. That's a significant problem.
'Teams need to understand the 'why' behind their work,' explains Schielke. 'When expectations and strategy are clear, people commit more fully and feel less overwhelmed.'
Appreciation — whether verbal, public or monetary — is what keeps teams motivated and aligned. Positive feedback and recognition make employees feel more valued and show that the work they put in not only matters, but is valued by leaders.
'Everyone wants to be recognized more,' says Smith. 'You have to recognize people in front of others, and show appreciation in large forms, but then also you need to recognize them privately and monetarily as well.'
'Voice is all about enabling people to contribute meaningfully to how things are done,' says Kelsey Szamet, a partner at Kingsley Szamet Employment Lawyers. But giving employees a voice is more than just listening. 'Doing something about employee suggestions is what makes people confident about leadership,' she adds.
Leaders might facilitate open communication through regular feedback meetings and surveys. When employees see their ideas implemented, they know their leaders have taken them seriously.
The bottom line on building a better workplace
When employees don't feel engaged, they complete their work because they have to, not because they're passionate about it. While they may meet goals in the short term, they are unlikely to last in the long run.
Here is what successful companies are doing to make sure employees get the most out of their work:
'Ultimately, employees want to feel heard, valued and challenged in ways that align with their strengths,' says Schielke. 'When leaders focus on integrity and intentional influence, engagement becomes a natural outcome, not a forced initiative.'
What is USA TODAY Top Workplaces 2025?
If you're looking for a job where you'll be more engaged, we can help. Each year, USA TODAY Top Workplaces, a collaboration between Energage and USA TODAY, ranks organizations across the United States that excel at creating a positive work environment for their employees. Employee feedback determines the winners.
In 2025, over 1,500 companies earned recognition as top workplaces. Check out our overall U.S. rankings. You can also gain insights into more workplace trends and advice by checking out the links below.