30+ Ways to Improve Employee Engagement in 2024 [#1 Guide]

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When creating a thriving workplace, improving employee engagement is one of the most effective ways to drive productivity, boost morale, and foster a positive work culture. Engaged employees exhibit heightened motivation, commitment, and alignment with their organization's objective, leading to better performance and retention. To achieve this, businesses progressively adopt creative techniques, activities, and tools to inspire and connect with their teams.

In this guide, we will explore 30 proven ways to increase employee engagement, from actionable strategies and practical ideas to the tools and platforms supporting your goals. We'll also introduce Matter as a valuable resource for businesses fostering engagement through recognition, feedback, and team-building initiatives. Whether your organization is in-office, remote, or hybrid, this extensive guide will assist you in cultivating a workforce that perceives itself as appreciated, motivated, and ready to excel.

Why increasing employee engagement is important

Increasing employee engagement is not just a feel-good initiative—it's a critical driver of organizational success. When employees are fully engaged, they contribute more to their roles, collaborate effectively with their teams, and ensure that their endeavors are consistent with the organization's objectives. But what exactly makes engagement so important, and how does it impact your workforce and organization?

Why increasing employee engagement is important
Why increasing employee engagement is important

Key benefits of increasing employee engagement

  1. Boosts productivity and performance: Employees who are engaged exhibit heightened motivation and dedication to their responsibilities, resulting in higher levels of efficiency, innovation, and collaboration. They're also more likely to go the extra mile in their work, directly contributing to improved outcomes for the entire organization.
  2. Improves employee retention: Engagement is closely tied to loyalty. Employees who feel connected to their workplace, recognized for their contributions, and aligned with the company's values are far less likely to leave, reducing costly employee turnover.
  3. Creates a positive workplace culture: When employees feel engaged, they help foster a positive work culture where teamwork, trust, and open communication thrive. This improves team members, departments, and leadership relationships, creating a more collaborative environment.
  4. Enhances employee well-being: Employees who are engaged exhibit elevated levels of job satisfaction, better work-life balance, and improved emotional and mental health. This reduces stress and burnout, ensuring employees feel personally and professionally supported.
  5. Drives alignment with company goals: Engaged employees clearly understand their roles and how they contribute to the company's mission and objectives. This alignment increases focus, accountability, and the likelihood of achieving long-term success.
  6. Improves customer satisfaction: An engaged workforce positively impacts customers by delivering better service and products. Employees who are driven and connected with the organization's mission are more likely to create meaningful interactions, enhancing the overall customer experience.

Why companies need a strategy to boost engagement

Without a clear employee engagement strategy, organizations risk disengagement, which can lead to low morale, reduced productivity, and higher turnover. Disengaged employees often feel undervalued or disconnected from their work, negatively impacting the organization's performance.

To address this, businesses need to invest in employee engagement tools, such as feedback systems, recognition platforms like Matter, and training programs, to establish an environment in which employees feel esteemed, inspired, and empowered.

The importance of increasing employee engagement cannot be overstated. It's a cornerstone of organizational health, impacting everything from productivity and retention to culture and customer satisfaction. Businesses can create a thriving and resilient workforce by prioritizing initiatives that boost employee engagement, provide employees with a sense of purpose, and align them with the company's goals. Tools like Matter make it easy to implement these strategies, ensuring your employees feel connected, recognized, and inspired to perform their best.

10 ways to increase employee engagement

To increase employee engagement, companies must create a setting where employees feel appreciated, connected, and inspired to give their best effort. By adopting thoughtful employee engagement strategies, organizations can foster a positive work culture, support employee well-being, and drive organizational success. Here are 10 actionable ways to boost employee engagement and cultivate a motivated and committed workforce.

Ways to Increase Employee Engagement
Ways to Increase Employee Engagement

1. Recognize and celebrate achievements

Recognition is a powerful way to show employees they're valued and appreciated. By implementing employee recognition programs, you can foster a culture where employees feel acknowledged for their contributions and motivated to excel.

How to take action:

  • Use an employee engagement platform like Matter to enable peer-to-peer recognition.
  • Create an "Employee of the Month" program that ties accomplishments to your company's values.
  • Dedicate time in team meetings to recognize top performers and highlight achievements.

Why it works: Recognition builds trust, engaged employees, and a sense of pride, encouraging others to go the extra mile in their roles.

2. Offer career advancement opportunities

Providing training and development programs shows employees that their growth and career advancement are a priority. When employees see a clear path forward, they're more likely to remain motivated employees and committed to the company.

How to take action:

  • Offer personalized development programs that align with the company's mission and employee aspirations.
  • Introduce mentorship programs to help employees build new skills and grow professionally.
  • Invest in training programs focused on leadership, technical skills, and emotional intelligence.

Why it works: When employees feel supported in their personal and professional development, they're more likely to stay loyal to the organization, contributing to reduced employee turnover and improved engagement.

3. Encourage open communication

Open communication ensures employees feel heard, respected, and connected to organizational goals. Transparent dialogue fosters trust and enables employees to freely share concerns, ideas, and feedback.

How to take action:

  • Use pulse surveys and employee engagement survey questions to collect insights regularly.
  • Schedule monthly one-on-one check-ins to provide feedback and discuss progress on goals.
  • Host town halls or Q&A sessions with managers and leadership to address workplace updates.

Why it works: When employees feel their opinions matter and are acted upon, they're more likely to feel aligned with organizational goals and engaged in their work.

4. Promote work-life balance

A strong focus on work-life balance supports employee well-being and helps reduce burnout. Organizations can create a more positive work culture by giving employees the flexibility to balance personal and professional responsibilities.

How to take action:

  • Supply flexible schedules and remote work options to accommodate remote workers and varying needs.
  • Provide mental health resources, such as counseling or wellness stipends.
  • Urge employees to utilize breaks and holidays for rejuvenation.

Why it works: Employees with a healthy balance between work and their personal lives are more productive, engaged, and satisfied in their roles.

5. Create team-building activities

Team engagement activities strengthen relationships and build camaraderie among employees. Fun and meaningful team-building activities help employees connect personally and work more collaboratively.

How to take action:

  • Host team engagement games like trivia nights or escape rooms for in-office teams.
  • Organize virtual employee engagement ideas like scavenger hunts or online Pictionary for remote teams.
  • Plan volunteer days or community initiatives where teams can give back together.

Why it works: Employees who feel connected to their colleagues and team are more likely to feel engaged and contribute to team success.

6. Align roles with company values

Employees feel a stronger sense of purpose when they understand how their work contributes to the company's mission and values. Aligning individual roles with broader organizational goals ensures employees see their impact.

How to take action:

  • Regularly share success stories that highlight the contributions of employees to the company's goals.
  • Incorporate discussions about company values during onboarding and performance reviews.
  • Use an employee engagement tool like Matter to celebrate employees who embody key values.

Why it works: When employees' daily tasks align with their organization's values, they feel more connected and motivated to contribute.

7. Provide regular feedback and support

Constructive and continuous feedback is essential for growth and engagement. Employees thrive when they know what they're doing well at and where to improve.

How to take action:

  • Schedule bi-weekly one-on-one check-ins to discuss progress and challenges.
  • Use employee engagement software to track and provide anonymous feedback.
  • Share specific, actionable suggestions to help employees reach their full potential.

Why it works: Timely feedback and consistent support empower employees to feel confident, capable, and valued in their roles.

8. Empower employees with autonomy

Empowering people to make decisions and take ownership of their work fosters employee satisfaction and innovation. Autonomy demonstrates trust and builds accountability.

How to take action:

  • Permit employees to assume responsibility for projects and to initiate new initiatives.
  • Encourage passion projects that align with the company's goals.
  • Furnish tools and resources that enable staff to operate efficiently without micromanagement.

Why it works: Autonomy encourages employees to feel respected and motivated, leading to higher levels of creativity and engagement.

9. Involve employees in decision-making

Including employees in decisions that impact their roles helps them feel valued and respected. It also strengthens trust and alignment between employees and leadership.

How to take action:

  • Host brainstorming sessions to gather input on key initiatives or policies.
  • Use team engagement questions in surveys to understand employees' perspectives.
  • Share outcomes of decisions and highlight how employees' feedback shaped the results.

Why it works: Involving employees in decision-making creates a culture of collaboration and ownership, boosting their engagement and commitment.

10. Recognize and celebrate diversity

Establishing an inclusive workplace where people are valued for their distinct viewpoints is essential for engagement. Diversity programs foster understanding, appreciation, and connection among employees.

How to take action:

  • Establish employee resource groups (ERGs) to support diverse voices and initiatives.
  • Celebrate cultural milestones and host diversity training sessions.
  • Highlight the contributions of employees from varied backgrounds through recognition programs.

Why it works: Celebrating diversity ensures that people feel free to be themselves at work, contributing to a more inclusive and engaged workforce.

Increasing employee engagement is more than perks or surface-level programs—it's about creating a culture where employees perceive themselves as esteemed, supported, and driven to succeed. By implementing these 10 strategies and using tools like Matter to simplify recognition, feedback, and collaboration, you can foster a workplace that inspires employees to contribute their best and stay committed to your organizational goals.

10 ideas to increase employee engagement

Creating a motivated and committed workforce requires intentional efforts to engage employees at every level. By implementing impactful employee engagement ideas, organizations can cultivate a culture where employees feel appreciated, empowered, and aligned with the company's mission. Below are 10 actionable ideas to improve employee engagement, enhance workplace satisfaction, and support your team in achieving organizational success.

1. Launch an employee recognition program

A flourishing workplace culture is founded on the principle of employee recognition. Celebrating achievements, both big and small, reinforces the value employees bring to the organization. Platforms like Matter make it easy to facilitate peer-to-peer recognition, allowing employees to celebrate each other's successes instantly.

How to implement recognition programs:

  • Recognize individual contributions during team meetings or company-wide emails.
  • Celebrate milestones like work anniversaries, promotions, or project completions with thoughtful shoutouts or rewards.
  • Use an employee engagement platform to automate recognition and track trends.

Why it works: Recognition cultivates a sense of pride and inspires engaged employees to strive for excellence. It also creates a positive work culture where everyone feels appreciated.

2. Offer personalized professional development opportunities

Providing employees with training and development programs tailored to their aspirations encourages growth and loyalty. Investing in career progression builds trust and empowers employees to take ownership of their professional journeys.

Ways to offer development opportunities:

  • Host regular workshops or training sessions to build new skills or enhance current expertise.
  • Develop personalized career plans that align employee goals with organizational objectives.
  • Launch mentorship programs to foster knowledge-sharing and career advancement.

Why it works: When employees see clear growth opportunities, they feel more connected and motivated to enhance the organization's prosperity, reducing employee turnover and improving job satisfaction.

3. Incorporate team-building activities

Incorporate Team-Building Activities
Incorporate Team-Building Activities

Engaging employees through team-building activities fosters collaboration, trust, and stronger relationships among team members. These activities encourage employees to leave their routines and build meaningful connections.

Ideas for team engagement:

  • Organize in-office activities such as trivia nights, escape rooms, or scavenger hunts.
  • For remote workers, plan virtual challenges like online Pictionary or digital happy hours.
  • Hold regular team lunches or outdoor activities to promote camaraderie.

Why it works: These activities strengthen bonds, promote creativity, and create a more cohesive and positive work environment.

4. Provide opportunities for passion projects

Allowing employees to dedicate time to projects they're passionate about sparks creativity and engagement. This initiative demonstrates that the organization values individuality and supports employee-driven innovation.

How to encourage passion projects:

  • Let employees propose initiatives that align with organizational goals or community impact.
  • Allocate a percentage of work hours for employees to develop new ideas or solutions.
  • Use feedback channels to identify shared interests among employees and organize related activities.

Why it works: Employees feel empowered to take ownership of their work, boosting employee satisfaction and motivation.

5. Host regular wellness initiatives

Supporting employees' physical and mental well-being fosters a healthier, happier workforce. A focus on wellness initiatives demonstrates care for employees beyond their work roles.

Wellness ideas:

  • Provide access to mental health resources, including mindfulness applications and counseling.
  • Organize wellness challenges such as step-count competitions or hydration goals.
  • Provide stipends for gym memberships or ergonomic office equipment.

Why it works: Wellness initiatives reduce stress, improve overall health, and contribute to a balanced work-life, helping employees stay engaged and productive.

6. Use employee feedback tools

Collecting and responding to employee feedback is a critical step in improving engagement. Employee engagement tools, such as Matter, streamline gathering insights and ensure employees feel heard.

How to maximize feedback efforts:

  • Use pulse surveys to measure satisfaction, morale, and engagement levels regularly.
  • Share survey results transparently and outline actionable steps to address concerns.
  • Schedule follow-ups to discuss how feedback has influenced company initiatives.

Why it works: Employees who feel their opinions matter are more likely to remain engaged and invested in the organization's success.

7. Celebrate company and individual milestones

Recognizing significant achievements at both the team and individual levels reinforces employees' value to the company. Milestone celebrations foster a culture of appreciation and connection.

Ideas for celebrating milestones:

  • Host quarterly or annual events to reflect on team accomplishments.
  • Acknowledge work anniversaries, promotions, and personal milestones with meaningful rewards or recognition.
  • Highlight major achievements in newsletters or town hall meetings.

Why it works: Celebrating milestones ensures employees feel appreciated and aligned with the company's values.

8. Create cross-departmental collaboration opportunities

Encouraging collaboration between departments promotes innovation, breaks down silos, and strengthens organizational unity.

How to promote cross-departmental engagement:

  • Organize inter-departmental brainstorming sessions or hackathons.
  • Assign employees to cross-functional teams for large projects or organizational initiatives.
  • Rotate team members periodically to diversify their experiences and perspectives.

Why it works: Cross-departmental initiatives help employees understand their impact on the entire organization, fostering engagement and a shared purpose.

9. Encourage community involvement

Incorporating community initiatives into your engagement strategy demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility. Employees feel proud to be part of a company that gives back.

Ideas for community engagement:

  • Organize donation drives, charity events, or volunteering days.
  • Offer paid volunteer hours so employees can contribute to causes they're passionate about.
  • Partner with local organizations to create meaningful projects.

Why it works: Community involvement fosters team spirit and reinforces company values, creating a culture of care and responsibility.

10. Promote open and transparent communication

Transparent leadership and clear communication foster trust and alignment. Employees are more likely to feel engaged when informed about company goals and involved in decision-making.

How to encourage transparency:

  • Hold regular town halls or Q&A sessions to discuss updates and challenges.
  • Use employee engagement software to facilitate open communication and gather anonymous feedback.
  • Share insights on decisions and how employees contribute to company success.

Why it works: Employees who feel connected to the company's objectives and values are more likely to remain engaged and motivated to contribute.

By implementing these ten impactful ideas, companies can increase employee engagement and establish an environment where employees feel appreciated, connected, and inspired. Strategies like employee recognition, career growth opportunities, and open communication ensure a positive work culture that drives both individual and organizational success. Tools like Matter simplify engagement by providing the resources and data needed to create meaningful connections and sustain long-term engagement efforts.

10 strategies to increase employee engagement

Creating a thriving and motivated workforce requires more than individual initiatives—it calls for comprehensive employee engagement strategies that inspire, connect, and empower employees across the organization. These ten impactful strategies are designed to build a positive work culture, boost employee engagement, and drive organizational success by addressing the needs of employees at all levels.

1. Develop a strong onboarding process

The first days and weeks at a new company set the tone for an employee's experience. A structured onboarding process ensures new hires feel welcomed, aligned with the company's mission, and set up for success.

Key elements for successful onboarding:

  • During the first week, provide a clear understanding of job expectations, goals, and company values.
  • Pair new hires with mentors or onboarding buddies to offer guidance and foster connections.
  • Use tools like Matter to celebrate their arrival with recognition from team members.

Why it works: Effective onboarding builds trust, improves retention, and encourages a sense of community, leading to highly engaged employees from day one.

2. Empower employees through autonomy

Allowing employees to take ownership of their work builds confidence and fosters innovation. Empowering employees to make decisions and lead initiatives drives engagement and strengthens their connection to the organization.

How to empower employees:

  • Assign leadership roles for projects to team members eager to grow.
  • Encourage employees to take initiative in identifying and solving challenges.
  • Support passion projects that align with organizational goals and employees' personal interests.

Why it works: Employees who feel trusted and valued are more motivated to exceed expectations and contribute meaningfully to the company's mission.

3. Incorporate personalized development plans

Investing in customized training and development programs for individual employees fosters progress and cultivates loyalty. Employees thrive when they know their ambitions are valued and supported.

How to implement personalized development plans:

  • Conduct regular one-on-one meetings to discuss career aspirations and identify skill gaps.
  • Offer access to professional development opportunities like certifications, workshops, or mentorship programs.
  • Recognize growth milestones to keep employees inspired and engaged.

Why it works: Customized growth plans enhance employee satisfaction, encourage retention, and ensure alignment with company goals.

4. Foster open communication between teams

Transparent and regular communication creates an environment of trust and inclusivity. Employees who feel heard and informed are more likely to remain engaged and motivated.

Strategies for open communication:

  • Host regular team check-ins and town hall meetings to share updates and address concerns.
  • Use pulse surveys to gather insights on employee sentiment and engagement.
  • Ensure leadership is accessible and approachable, encouraging open dialogue.

Why it works: Open communication helps employees feel valued and informed, strengthening their connection to the company's mission and goals.

5. Create recognition programs that align with company values

Recognition is one of the most effective ways to increase engagement. Implement recognition programs that reflect your company's mission and values, ensuring employees feel appreciated for their contributions.

Ideas for recognition programs:

  • Use a platform like Matter to create peer-to-peer recognition opportunities.
  • Celebrate individual achievements and team successes with shoutouts, rewards, or newsletters.
  • Align recognitions with core values to reinforce what matters most to your organization.

Why it works: Frequent and meaningful recognition boosts morale, encourages high performance, and strengthens alignment with company goals.

6. Prioritize employee well-being

Supporting mental health and promoting a healthy work-life balance ensures employees feel cared for and capable of doing their best work.

Well-being strategies:

  • Offer mental health resources, such as counseling, wellness stipends, or meditation apps.
  • Encourage flexible schedules that accommodate employees' personal lives and family responsibilities.
  • Host wellness challenges to foster a culture of health and engagement.

Why it works: Well-being initiatives help employees feel valued and supported, reducing burnout and improving job satisfaction.

7. Build cross-departmental collaboration opportunities

Breaking down silos and encouraging team engagement across departments creates a more innovative and cohesive workplace.

How to promote collaboration:

  • Organize cross-department brainstorming sessions to generate new ideas.
  • Pair employees from different departments for short-term projects or problem-solving tasks.
  • Use team-building activities to strengthen relationships across the company.

Why it works: Collaboration helps employees understand their role in the broader organization, boosting their sense of purpose and alignment with organizational goals.

8. Use employee engagement software

Technology plays a critical role in enhancing and streamlining engagement strategies. Tools like Matter provide features that enable real-time recognition, feedback collection, and analytics to measure engagement levels.

Features to prioritize in engagement tools:

  • Employee engagement surveys for actionable insights.
  • Recognition systems for celebrating achievements and contributions.
  • Reporting tools to analyze engagement metrics and program effectiveness.

Why it works: Engagement software simplifies program management, ensuring initiatives are impactful and scalable across the entire organization.

9. Align individual goals with organizational objectives

Assisting employees in comprehending the extent to which their efforts contribute to the organization's objectives fosters commitment and concentration.

Strategies for alignment:

  • Host quarterly goal-setting sessions to connect individual objectives with larger organizational targets.
  • Share success stories to illustrate how employees' contributions drive company success.
  • Use a recognition platform to acknowledge efforts that positively impact the company's mission.

Why it works: Alignment fosters a sense of purpose, helping employees feel engaged and motivated to achieve both personal and company goals.

10. Promote community and social responsibility initiatives

Engaging employees in community and social responsibility programs creates a sense of pride and shared purpose.

Ideas for community initiatives:

  • Organize volunteer events like charity drives or environmental cleanups.
  • Offer paid volunteer days to encourage participation in meaningful causes.
  • Align community efforts with the company's values to reinforce a culture of responsibility.

Why it works: These initiatives inspire employees to see their work as part of something larger, increasing pride and employee engagement.

These 10 strategies to increase employee engagement provide a blueprint for cultivating a workplace culture that values recognition, growth, and collaboration. Companies can cultivate a motivated and connected workforce by focusing on open communication, well-being, and meaningful contributions. Tools like Matter make implementing, measuring, and refining these strategies easy, ensuring employees remain inspired and committed to organizational success.

Impact of employee engagement on productivity and commitment

Impact of employee engagement on productivity and commitment
Impact of employee engagement on productivity and commitment

Employee engagement constitutes a fundamental element that affects both individual and organizational performance. Employees who are engaged exhibit heightened motivation, productivity, and loyalty, which directly contribute to the success of the entire organization. The impact of strong engagement extends beyond daily tasks, shaping how employees connect with their roles, their teams, and the company's mission.

How employee engagement boosts productivity

  • Motivated employees perform better: Engaged employees approach their tasks with energy and enthusiasm. They're more likely to go the extra mile to meet deadlines, solve problems, and achieve goals. For example, an employee who feels recognized and supported is more likely to contribute innovative ideas and tackle challenges head-on.
  • Increased efficiency: Engaged employees work with focus and clarity, reducing the time spent on errors or distractions. They are better at prioritizing tasks and collaborating with team members, which leads to faster project completion.
  • Fosters innovation: When employees feel valued, they're more inclined to share ideas and take creative risks. This innovation drives progress and positions the organization as a leader in its industry.

How employee engagement strengthens commitment

  • Reduces employee turnover: When employees feel engaged, they're more likely to remain with the company, reducing costly turnover. This loyalty stems from a sense of belonging and alignment with the company's values.
    • Stat to consider: Research indicates that organizations with high levels of engagement experience up to 43% lower turnover rates compared to disengaged workplaces.
  • Improves relationships within teams: Engaged employees build stronger connections with their peers and leaders. This sense of camaraderie fosters collaboration and trust, strengthening team dynamics.
  • Alignment with organizational goals: Engaged personnel possess a distinct comprehension of how their contributions impact the company's performance. This alignment enhances their dedication to achieving both personal and organizational objectives.

The long-term benefits of engagement on organizational success

  • Enhanced workplace culture: A team of engaged employees creates a positive work culture where collaboration, trust, and open communication thrive.
  • Increased profitability: Studies consistently show a strong correlation between employee engagement strategies and higher revenue growth.
  • Improved customer satisfaction: Engaged employees provide better service, positively impacting client relationships and customer retention.

The impact of employee engagement is profound, influencing everything from productivity and commitment to customer satisfaction and profitability. By prioritizing initiatives that engage employees and align them with the company's mission, organizations can achieve significant improvements in performance and loyalty. Tools like Matter provide the resources to implement and track these efforts, ensuring your workforce remains inspired and connected. Up next, we'll explore how to increase engagement in remote and hybrid workplaces.

Increasing employee engagement in a remote/virtual and hybrid workplace

Increasing Employee Engagement in a Remote/virtual and Hybrid Workplace
Increasing Employee Engagement in a Remote/virtual and Hybrid Workplace

As remote and hybrid work models become the norm, organizations face unique challenges in keeping employees engaged. Physical distance, limited in-person interactions, and varying work environments can create a disconnect between employees and their teams. To increase employee engagement in these setups, companies must adopt intentional strategies that foster connection, support collaboration, and demonstrate appreciation for their workforce.

7 key strategies to engage remote and hybrid employees

1. Prioritize regular communication

Clear and regular communication is vital for keeping employees informed and connected with the company. Use tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom to connect team members in the office and those who work remotely.

Ways to enhance communication:

  • Schedule regular one-on-one check-ins to discuss individual goals and concerns.
  • Host weekly or monthly virtual team meetings to share updates and celebrate wins.

2. Leverage employee engagement tools

Technology plays a vital role in engaging remote and hybrid teams. Platforms like Matter enable peer-to-peer recognition, feedback collection, and pulse surveys, creating a sense of connection regardless of location.

Key features to look for:

  • Recognition systems to celebrate achievements in real-time.
  • Analytics to track engagement levels and identify areas for improvement.

3. Foster team collaboration

Remote employees can feel isolated without opportunities to connect with their colleagues. Encourage collaboration through virtual projects, brainstorming sessions, and team-building activities.

Ideas for collaboration:

  • Organize virtual workshops or hackathons where teams from different departments can share ideas.
  • To make remote collaboration more efficient, use project management tools like Trello or Asana.

4. Support work-life balance

Flexible schedules are crucial for remote and hybrid employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Allow employees to structure their workdays around their personal needs to reduce burnout and increase productivity.

What works:

  • Offer stipends for home office upgrades to create a comfortable work environment.
  • Provide wellness resources like mental health apps or fitness reimbursements.

5. Engage through virtual events

Virtual team-building activities can bring employees together, no matter where they're located. These events provide a fun aspect while also fostering greater team bonds.

Popular ideas:

  • Host virtual trivia nights, escape rooms, or happy hours.
  • Celebrate milestones like birthdays or work anniversaries with virtual parties.

6. Provide regular feedback and recognition

Recognition and feedback are even more critical for remote employees who may feel their contributions are overlooked. Use employee engagement platforms like Matter to provide instant recognition and actionable feedback.

How to implement:

  • Publicly acknowledge accomplishments during virtual meetings.
  • Send personalized thank-you notes or rewards for a job well done.

7. Promote social responsibility and community involvement

Remote employees often miss the camaraderie that comes from shared volunteering activities. Offer virtual opportunities for employees to give back to their communities.

Examples:

  • Organize virtual charity drives or online fundraising events.
  • Support employees' personal causes with donation-matching programs.

Benefits of focusing on engagement for remote and hybrid teams

  • Increased productivity: Engaged remote employees work more efficiently and effectively.
  • Improved retention: Employees who feel linked to their teams and the company's ideals are more inclined to stick around.
  • Stronger workplace culture: Thoughtful engagement strategies create a sense of belonging, even from a distance.

Engaging remote and hybrid employees requires a blend of communication, collaboration, and recognition strategies tailored to their unique needs. Organizations can ensure their remote teams remain motivated and inspired by leveraging tools like Matter and prioritizing initiatives that promote connection and flexibility. These efforts not only boost employee engagement but also strengthen the organization as a whole.

In the next section, we'll summarize key takeaways and offer final thoughts on improving employee engagement in today's evolving workplace.

Final thoughts on increasing employee engagement

Increasing employee engagement is an ongoing effort that requires commitment, creativity, and adaptability. An engaged workforce isn't just beneficial for employees; it is imperative for the organization's long-term prosperity. Engaged employees are more productive, motivated, and aligned with your company's mission, resulting in a more collaborative and positive work culture.

Key takeaways for improving employee engagement

  1. Employee engagement starts with listening: Understanding what drives your team begins with gathering insights. Use employee engagement surveys and tools like Matter to collect feedback regularly and act on it. Employees who feel heard are more likely to feel engaged and valued.
  2. Recognition is a game-changer: Recognizing employees for their contributions fosters trust and loyalty. Platforms like Matter make it easy to provide peer-to-peer recognition and celebrate milestones, helping employees feel appreciated.
  3. Flexibility matters: Work-life balance is a priority for today's workforce. Offering flexible schedules, remote work options, and wellness resources demonstrates that you value employees' personal needs, which results in heightened job satisfaction and engagement.
  4. Professional growth drives engagement: Providing employees with opportunities for career advancement through training programs and mentorship programs builds loyalty and keeps employees motivated to excel.
  5. Connection fuels culture: Whether through team-building activities, collaborative projects, or social responsibility initiatives, creating opportunities for connection strengthens relationships across the entire organization.

Why Matter is your partner in employee engagement

Matter simplifies the process of creating and managing employee engagement programs that make a lasting impact. From recognition tools to feedback systems, Matter empowers organizations to:

  • Celebrate achievements with effective employee engagement initiatives.
  • Gather actionable feedback to refine engagement strategies.
  • Build a culture where employees feel valued, connected, and motivated to contribute.

The journey to improving employee engagement is never truly complete—it evolves as your workforce and organizational needs change. By prioritizing recognition, communication, and flexibility and leveraging tools like Matter, you can create a workplace where employees thrive. Start taking meaningful steps today to boost employee engagement and transform your organization into a place where everyone feels inspired to succeed.

Let Matter help you create an engaged workforce that drives both productivity and passion. Get started with Matter for free today!

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