Human resource (HR) leaders have many areas of responsibility, and employee engagement is one of the most important. In fact, results of a 2024 survey showed that 75% of chief human resources officers considered improving the employee experience and organizational culture a top priority.
Job satisfaction is a key element of employee engagement, but that satisfaction is largely driven by the emotional connection employees have with their company and individual roles. Creating and a culture that includes strong employee engagement is essential for keeping top talent and achieving success as an organization.
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Specialization in Human Resources online program from Youngstown State University (YSU) teaches engagement strategies that strengthen teams and improve employee performance. This online program teaches HR professionals the skills to build engagement, lead effectively and contribute to organization-wide success.
The Importance of Employee Engagement
Employee engagement is the “emotional connection an employee has to their job,” according to Workleap. Leapsome notes that engaged employees are more 18% more productive and less likely to leave their roles. In contrast, disengaged employees can negatively affect productivity, turnover and workplace culture.
This is critical, as employee turnover can be incredibly expensive and time-consuming. According to Blink, the total costs involved over $1,500 to replace hourly employees and nearly double the annual wage of salaried workers. It’s clear that employee engagement is an important driver of success for any company, and HR leaders are the key players tasked with guiding strategies that build and maintain an engaged workforce.
HR Strategies for Improving Employee Engagement
It takes the right tools and knowledge to develop strong engagement programs. By taking courses like Leadership, Managing Organizational Talent, and Developing and Leading High Performance Teams, HR leaders learn how to create engagement programs that truly make an impact on their workforce.
According to Leapsome, HR leaders can improve engagement by:
- Offering regular recognition: More frequent recognition boosts the chances of employee engagement and productivity by 40% and increases job commitment by 25%.
- Improving onboarding: Most onboarding is brief, with only one-day orientations. Improving and personalizing onboarding helps new team members begin their time at your organization fully engaged and ready to start.
- Encouraging open communication: Open dialogue between employees and leadership, including ‘stay interviews’ help leaders gather feedback while fostering trust and transparency within their teams.
There is no single approach to retaining talent at a company. A combination of these strategies helps to motivate employees, improve team dynamics and build a stronger workplace culture.
The Risks of Employee Disengagement
Disengaged employees are a barrier to organizational success. According to a Gallup poll referenced by another article from Blink, engaged organizations are 17% more productive and experience a 23% increase in profitability. On the contrary, disengaged employees are more stressed, less productive and more likely to leave.
Disengaged employees have also been shown to provide a level of customer service that is inferior to their engaged peers. The role of HR leaders is crucial in addressing disengagement before it spreads. By implementing effective engagement programs, they can maintain a productive work environment that encourages long-term retention.
Professional Development for Millennial Employees
Professional development is a particularly important area of employee engagement, especially for millennials. This generation makes up 35% of the U.S. labor force, and 87% of them see professional development opportunities as a major consideration influencing the jobs they choose to pursue.
Employees who are given professional development opportunities and clear growth paths are more likely to stay engaged and loyal. For HR leaders, providing development opportunities is essential for retaining millennial talent and ensuring long-term commitment.
Benefits of Engagement on Organizational Performance
Organizations benefit from the prioritization of employee engagement in many ways. Engaged teams are more productive, collaborative and innovative. This leads to increased profitability and success for the organization as a whole. By pursuing a Master of Business Administration with a Specialization in Human Resources from Youngstown State University, HR leaders learn how to foster engagement, reduce the risks posed by disengaged employees and support employee development.
Learn more about YSU’s MBA with a Specialization in HR online program.
