Employee engagement is critical in achieving positive organizational outcomes, such as higher retention rates, greater customer satisfaction and improved financial performance. The Employee Engagement Index (EEI) Survey, developed by Dr. Jack Wiley of Engage2Excel, has been tracking these trends since 2016. The latest survey results from Q4 2024 reveal a significant rebound in employee engagement, providing encouraging news for business leaders.
The EEI Survey results show a notable increase in employee engagement post-pandemic, from 63.6% in 2022 to 68.3% in 2024. This nearly five percentage-point swing marks the highest engagement level since 2018 when the score was 69.0%. This rebound is particularly significant given the challenges posed by the pandemic, social unrest, and economic inflation over the past few years.
Indicating that 68.3% of the workforce is engaged, the survey results show that overall satisfaction received the highest favorable score at 71.2%, while discretionary effort had the lowest at 65.3%. These scores fall within a narrow range, suggesting a generally positive sentiment among employees.
The survey identified six key drivers of employee engagement:
1. Recognition by managers for a job well done.
2. A promising future where employees can achieve their career goals.
3. Confidence in the organization's success through open and honest communication from senior management.
4. Exciting work assignments that provide a sense of accomplishment.
5. A sense of teamwork and cooperation among coworkers.
6. Support for balancing family and personal responsibilities.These drivers highlight the importance of various factors, including managerial recognition, career development opportunities, effective communication, meaningful work, teamwork and work-life balance.
The rebound in employee engagement is good news for organizations looking to invest in engagement and recognition programs. By focusing on the key drivers identified in the survey, companies can enhance employee satisfaction and motivation, leading to better retention, increased customer satisfaction and overall business success. As we move forward, it is essential to continue monitoring engagement levels and addressing the key drivers to maintain a motivated and committed workforce.
To read the full research brief, click below.
