5 reasons why employee engagement is crucial to business

Looking for ways to boost productivity? Research shows that key business metrics significantly improve when employees are engaged, giving their companies a leg up in the marketplace. Engagement is deeper than simply being happy at work — it means employees feel invested in your organization and share its values. And it can be nurtured a variety of ways, through small details of company culture or full-day focused events. For example, as a World Vision partner, you can engage employees by matching their donations or by hosting a Global 6K for Water® to raise funds for clean water (or both!). Here are five reasons why engagement matters:

1. Engaged employees improve profitability

When employees feel engaged in the workplace, they’re more productive. They take their work more seriously and put in the effort to make the business successful. And since they’re closest to the day-to-day logistics, engaged employees can help identify unexpected opportunities to be more cost-effective.

Highly engaged business units are 21 percent more profitable.¹

2. Engaged employees are more loyal

Workers are also more likely to stay with their employer when they’re engaged — this is why company culture matters. If people feel disconnected from leadership or values, a slight salary increase from a competitor could be enough for them to leave. But if they feel appreciated and have a stake in the company’s mission, they’re less likely to trade those away, even for a bump in pay.

47 percent of people looking for new positions say company culture is the main reason.²

3. Engaged employees create a better customer experience

Workplace engagement doesn’t just impact employees — it also affects customers. It’s easy to see how workers feel about their employer in any business, and that influences the whole transaction process. When employees are engaged, they’re inclined to go the extra mile to make sure a customer’s experience with the company is as positive as their own.

Highly engaged business units show a 20 percent increase in sales and 10 percent increase in customer ratings.¹

4. Engaged employees give their best effort

Employees who feel valued are more likely to go above and beyond what’s expected of them. And this can affect more than just measurable productivity. Engaged employees adopt a sense of ownership in the business, even taking action outside their official responsibilities to improve the company or streamline operations.

Employees who feel their voice is heard in the workplace are 4.6 times more likely to feel empowered to perform their best work.³

5. Engaged employees are the most satisfied

An employee can be satisfied without being engaged, but if they are engaged, they’re generally more satisfied too. Though compensation, leadership, and other factors affect satisfaction, high engagement can offset shortcomings in these areas. That’s why fostering a company culture that employees are proud of can make such a difference for morale.

22 percent of employees rank culture and values as the most important factor in being satisfied at work.⁴

Partner with World Vision today to drive your organization’s employee engagement and see how it can benefit you. Whether you’re looking for traditional volunteering options or a bigger event, we have a variety of opportunities to fit your needs. Explore your options today, and feel free to ask questions by calling 1.866.859.5437 or emailing [email protected]. We’re looking forward to working with you.