Great leaders understand that employee engagement and retention drive organizational success.

As a result, they motivate teams, foster loyalty, and create a culture where employees feel valued and committed to long-term growth.

According to Gallup’s 2023 State of the Global Workplace report, up to 70% of an employee’s engagement variance depends on their leader. A great leader guides employees through the unknown and helps them overcome obstacles for continued success.

Leaders’ Roles in Employee Engagement

Engagement involves employees’ emotional and intellectual commitment to a company. These factors impact how employees show up at work and commit to their roles and teams.

Engaged employees believe in their work and feel valued for their contributions. They give their best efforts and are enthusiastic about their results.

Leaders can use the following methods to inspire employee engagement:

• Create a positive work environment that emphasizes ongoing performance improvement.
• Help employees see why their work matters and how it contributes to the company’s goals and strategic plan.
• Provide flexibility to support work-life integration.
• Recognize and reward employees to encourage growth.

Relationship Between Employee Engagement and Retention

Employee engagement impacts tenure with a company. Therefore, great leaders strengthen engagement to encourage employees to remain with the organization long-term.

High employee retention reduces hiring, onboarding, and training costs. These factors strengthen the bottom line.

Leaders can implement these tips to increase employee engagement and retention:

• Instill a sense of purpose in employee roles.
• Help employees feel valued, respected, and appreciated.
• Work with employees to create career development plans.
• Offer professional development opportunities.

Employee Retention Conversations

Great leaders have retention conversations with their employees to better understand what they value in their roles. These conversations help determine what should continue and what should change to keep more employees.

Leaders’ Skills to Engage Employees

According to the 2023 Global Leadership Forecast by Development Dimensions International, Inc., 85% of employees trusted their leaders who consistently displayed the following skills:

• Building trust: Expressing vulnerability, giving credit, and being accountable.
• Supporting well-being: Demonstrating concern and support for employees’ physical and mental wellness.
• Communicating with empathy: Keeping employees informed about changes that affect them to avoid surprise and confusion and optimize their time and resources.
• Coaching for growth: Providing professional development opportunities and constructive feedback to support career advancement.
• Providing recognition and rewards: Regularly recognize specific employee contributions, results, and organizational impact and provide a bonus, pay increase, or promotion when appropriate.

Would you like help elevating employee engagement and retention?

Creating a positive work environment that emphasizes ongoing performance improvement strengthens employee engagement and retention. Elevating engagement and having retention conversations encourage employees to remain long-term.

Arlington Resources can help strengthen your employee engagement and retention rates. Contact us to learn more today.