Workplace Engagement Statistics: Latest Data & Summary

Last Edited: April 23, 2024

Highlights: The Most Important Statistics

  • 85% of employees are not engaged or are actively disengaged at work, which results in $7 trillion in lost productivity.
  • Highly engaged business units realize a 41% reduction in absenteeism and a 17% increase in productivity.
  • Companies with high employee engagement are 21% more profitable than those with low employee engagement.
  • Organizations with a high level of engagement (65% or greater) continue to outperform the total stock market index and post total shareholder returns 22% higher than average.
  • 58% of employees say poor management is the biggest thing getting in the way of productivity.
  • Engaged employees are 59% less likely to seek out a new job or career in the next 12 months.
  • Only 34% of U.S. workers are engaged at work.
  • 73% of employees who say they work at a "purpose-driven" company are engaged, compared to just 23% of those who don't.
  • Companies that lead in employee engagement primarily focus on creating a culture of growth.
  • 70% of employees say they would likely leave their job to work at a company known for investing in employee development and learning.
  • Employee engagement increases by 60% when recognized by managers.
  • Positive customer experiences increase by 20% when companies have engaged employees.
  • Companies with engaged employees see 233% greater customer loyalty.
  • Engaged teams show 21% greater profitability.
  • Employees who are not adequately recognized at work are twice as likely to say they'll quit in the next year.
  • 96% of employees believe showing empathy is an important way to advance employee retention.
  • 87% of HR leaders consider improved retention a critical priority for their organizations.
  • Highly engaged employees are 87% less likely to leave their companies than their less engaged counterparts.

Welcome to our blog post on Workplace Engagement Statistics, where we will explore the latest trends and data surrounding employee engagement in the modern workplace. Engaged employees are essential for driving performance, productivity, and overall organizational success. Let’s delve into the numbers and insights that will help you understand the importance of workplace engagement and how it impacts businesses today.

The Latest Workplace Engagement Statistics Explained

85% of employees are not engaged or are actively disengaged at work, which results in $7 trillion in lost productivity.

This statistic indicates a significant issue within the workforce where the vast majority of employees are either not engaged or actively disengaged at their jobs. This lack of engagement is translating into a substantial financial impact of $7 trillion in lost productivity, highlighting the serious consequences of employee disengagement in the workplace. The implication is that organizations are failing to harness the full potential of their workforce, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities for growth and innovation. Addressing employee engagement is crucial for businesses to unlock the untapped talent and drive higher levels of productivity and performance.

Highly engaged business units realize a 41% reduction in absenteeism and a 17% increase in productivity.

This statistic indicates that there is a strong positive relationship between employee engagement and key performance indicators within a business. Specifically, business units with high levels of employee engagement experience a 41% decrease in absenteeism rates, suggesting that engaged employees are more likely to show up for work consistently. Furthermore, these engaged business units also see a 17% increase in productivity, demonstrating that engaged employees are more motivated, focused, and efficient in their work. Overall, this statistic highlights the importance of fostering employee engagement as a strategic approach to improving organizational outcomes such as reduced absenteeism and increased productivity.

Companies with high employee engagement are 21% more profitable than those with low employee engagement.

This statistic suggests that there is a positive correlation between employee engagement levels within a company and its profitability. Specifically, companies with high employee engagement levels tend to be 21% more profitable compared to those with low employee engagement levels. This may be attributed to the fact that engaged employees are more motivated, productive, and committed to their work, thereby leading to improved overall performance and ultimately higher profitability for the organization. By fostering a positive work environment where employees are actively engaged, companies may be able to enhance their financial success and gain a competitive edge in the market.

Organizations with a high level of engagement (65% or greater) continue to outperform the total stock market index and post total shareholder returns 22% higher than average.

This statistic indicates that organizations with a high level of engagement, defined as having an engagement level of 65% or greater among their employees, have demonstrated strong financial performance by outperforming the total stock market index. Additionally, these engaged organizations have posted total shareholder returns that are 22% higher than the average market performance. This suggests a positive correlation between employee engagement levels and overall organizational success, as engaged employees are likely to be more productive, motivated, and committed to achieving the organization’s goals, ultimately leading to better financial outcomes for the company and its shareholders.

58% of employees say poor management is the biggest thing getting in the way of productivity.

The statistic stating that 58% of employees believe poor management is the main factor hindering productivity highlights a significant issue within organizations. This finding suggests that a majority of employees perceive that ineffective or inadequate leadership negatively impacts their ability to perform at their best in the workplace. Poor management can lead to confusion, lack of direction, low morale, and ultimately reduced productivity among employees. Addressing this issue by improving managerial skills, communication, and leadership qualities can potentially lead to a more engaged and high-performing workforce, thereby enhancing overall productivity and organizational success.

Engaged employees are 59% less likely to seek out a new job or career in the next 12 months.

This statistic suggests that employees who are engaged with their work and the organization are significantly less likely to actively search for a new job or career opportunity within the next year compared to those who are not engaged. Specifically, the data indicates that the likelihood of actively seeking out a new job or career is reduced by 59% for engaged employees. This highlights the importance of employee engagement in promoting retention and loyalty within an organization. Engaged employees are likely to be more satisfied with their current roles, feel a sense of connection to the organization, and be motivated to contribute positively to its success, thereby reducing the turnover rate and associated costs for the company.

Only 34% of U.S. workers are engaged at work.

The statistic that only 34% of U.S. workers are engaged at work refers to the percentage of employees who are emotionally invested and focused on their work tasks, going above and beyond their basic job responsibilities. This indicates that a significant portion of the workforce may not be fully engaged or motivated in their jobs, which can potentially have negative implications on productivity, job satisfaction, and overall organizational success. Employers may need to explore ways to improve employee engagement through initiatives such as fostering a positive work environment, offering opportunities for growth and development, and promoting effective communication and feedback mechanisms to enhance employee motivation and commitment.

73% of employees who say they work at a “purpose-driven” company are engaged, compared to just 23% of those who don’t.

The statistic indicates that there is a significant difference in employee engagement levels between individuals who work at purpose-driven companies and those who do not. Specifically, 73% of employees at purpose-driven companies report being engaged in their work, while only 23% of those at non-purpose-driven companies feel the same way. This suggests that having a sense of purpose or alignment with the values and mission of the organization plays a crucial role in fostering employee engagement. Companies that prioritize and communicate their purpose effectively are more likely to have higher levels of engagement among their workforce, which can lead to improved productivity, retention, and overall organizational success.

Companies that lead in employee engagement primarily focus on creating a culture of growth.

The statistic suggests that companies which are successful in fostering high levels of employee engagement place a strong emphasis on cultivating a culture of growth within the organization. This implies that these companies prioritize providing opportunities for employee development, continuous learning, and career advancement. By focusing on creating a culture that supports and encourages personal and professional growth, these companies are able to motivate and engage their employees effectively, leading to higher levels of job satisfaction, productivity, and ultimately, organizational success. In essence, the statistic underscores the importance of investing in the development and well-being of employees as a key strategy for achieving positive outcomes in the workplace.

70% of employees say they would likely leave their job to work at a company known for investing in employee development and learning.

The statistic indicates that a significant majority of employees, 70%, express a strong inclination towards leaving their current job in favor of a company that is recognized for its commitment to investing in employee development and learning opportunities. This suggests that employees highly value continuous learning and professional growth in their careers, and are seeking out employers who offer such opportunities. The statistic highlights the importance of companies prioritizing employee development programs and creating a learning-oriented culture to attract and retain top talent in today’s competitive job market.

Employee engagement increases by 60% when recognized by managers.

The statistic ‘Employee engagement increases by 60% when recognized by managers’ suggests that when employees receive recognition from their managers, their level of engagement in the workplace experiences a substantial improvement. This indicates that acknowledgment and appreciation from managers have a significant impact on motivating employees to perform better and be more committed to their work. By recognizing employees’ efforts and contributions, managers create a positive work environment that fosters a sense of value and purpose among the workforce, ultimately leading to increased engagement levels and potentially higher productivity and job satisfaction within the organization.

Positive customer experiences increase by 20% when companies have engaged employees.

This statistic suggests that there is a positive relationship between employee engagement and customer experiences, indicating that companies with engaged employees tend to see a 20% increase in positive customer experiences. This implies that when employees are fully committed, motivated, and involved in their work, they are more likely to deliver excellent service to customers, leading to higher levels of satisfaction and loyalty. Engaged employees are more likely to go above and beyond to meet customer needs, resulting in an improved overall customer experience. This statistic highlights the importance of investing in employee engagement initiatives as a strategic approach to enhancing customer relationships and ultimately driving business success.

Companies with engaged employees see 233% greater customer loyalty.

The statistic “Companies with engaged employees see 233% greater customer loyalty” suggests a strong positive relationship between employee engagement and customer loyalty. This means that when employees are highly engaged, meaning they are enthusiastic and committed to their work, customers are more likely to be loyal to the company. The 233% increase in customer loyalty indicates a substantial impact of employee engagement on customer relationships, emphasizing the significance of creating a positive and fulfilling work environment to drive customer satisfaction and retention. In essence, engaged employees tend to provide better customer service and experiences, leading to increased customer loyalty and ultimately benefiting the company’s bottom line.

Engaged teams show 21% greater profitability.

The statistic that engaged teams show 21% greater profitability suggests that companies with higher levels of employee engagement tend to be more profitable compared to those with lower engagement levels. Employee engagement refers to the emotional commitment and dedication that employees have towards their work and organization. When employees are engaged, they are more likely to be productive, motivated, and invested in driving the success of the company. This increased productivity and motivation can lead to improved overall performance, ultimately resulting in higher profits for the organization. The 21% increase in profitability highlights the significant impact that employee engagement can have on a company’s financial success.

Employees who are not adequately recognized at work are twice as likely to say they’ll quit in the next year.

This statistic indicates that there is a strong relationship between employee recognition and turnover intention in the workplace. Specifically, employees who do not feel adequately recognized for their contributions at work are twice as likely to express their intention to quit within the next year compared to those who do feel recognized. This highlights the importance of recognizing and appreciating employees for their hard work and achievements, as it can significantly impact their job satisfaction and commitment to the organization. Employers should consider implementing effective recognition strategies to improve employee morale, engagement, and ultimately reduce turnover rates.

96% of employees believe showing empathy is an important way to advance employee retention.

The statistic indicates that a significant majority, specifically 96%, of employees recognize the importance of demonstrating empathy as a key strategy for improving employee retention within an organization. This suggests that employees value emotional understanding, support and compassion from their employers as a means to foster a positive work environment and enhance their loyalty towards the company. The high percentage underscores the widespread recognition of empathy as a valuable tool for promoting employee satisfaction and commitment, ultimately highlighting its potential role in reducing turnover rates and fostering a strong organizational culture conducive to employee retention.

87% of HR leaders consider improved retention a critical priority for their organizations.

The statistic that 87% of HR leaders consider improved retention a critical priority for their organizations indicates a widely recognized concern among human resource professionals regarding the importance of retaining top talent within their respective companies. The high percentage suggests a consensus among HR leaders that employee retention directly impacts the overall success and stability of their organizations. This statistic highlights a strong emphasis on developing strategies and initiatives aimed at fostering a positive work environment, enhancing employee engagement, and implementing retention programs to retain skilled and valuable employees, ultimately driving organizational growth and performance.

Highly engaged employees are 87% less likely to leave their companies than their less engaged counterparts.

This statistic suggests that there is a strong association between employee engagement levels and the likelihood of leaving a company. Specifically, it indicates that employees who are highly engaged in their work are significantly less likely, by 87%, to voluntarily resign from their current position compared to their less engaged counterparts. This highlights the importance of fostering a positive and engaging work environment to retain valuable employees. High levels of job satisfaction, motivation, and a sense of purpose are likely contributing factors to the lower turnover rate among engaged employees, emphasizing the potential benefits of investing in strategies to increase employee engagement within organizations.

Conclusion

Based on the workplace engagement statistics presented, it is clear that fostering a highly engaged workforce is crucial for achieving organizational success. Employers should prioritize creating a positive work environment, providing opportunities for growth and development, and encouraging open communication to enhance employee engagement levels. By investing in employee engagement initiatives, companies can benefit from increased productivity, higher retention rates, and overall improved performance.

References

0. – https://www.aha.org

1. – https://www.aberdeen.com

2. – https://www.quantumworkplace.com

3. – https://learning.linkedin.com

4. – https://www.forbes.com

5. – https://hbr.org

6. – https://info.kainexus.com

7. – https://smartercx.com

8. – https://www.gallup.com

9. – https://www.achievers.com

10. – https://www.businessnewsdaily.com

About The Author

Jannik is the Co-Founder of WifiTalents and has been working in the digital space since 2016.

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