Free snacks and “employees of the month” plaques may feel like an easy way to attract employees, but they hardly hurt the surface. While fun perks can temporarily boost morale, they build lasting engagement on top of something deeper: contact, communication, appreciation, and giving employees a voice.
At its core, engagement is an emotional commitment to the work, team, and organizational mission of employees, and is a key driver of business success. When employees feel that they are seriously connected to their work, they will have teams that will repeatedly exceed expectations, increase productivity, lower absenteeism and lower turnover. Gallup research shows that employees who are engaged also report happiness of up to 70%.
This is what three HR experts and company leaders say they will drive engagement needles.
Four pillars of employee engagement
Improved engagement is easier than ever, but it is one of the most effective strategies for employee retention. Everyday effort, clear communication and a culture that prioritizes people. These four pillars (connection, communication, gratitude, voice) help leaders develop stronger relationships and build workplaces where employees feel they are seen and heard as they do the best work.
1. connection
According to Gallup, employees with friends at work are seven times more likely to work.
“We’ve seen a lot of work in the Fortune 500,” said Katie Smith, director of the Fortune 500 company and founder of the Get a Corporate job.
But connection goes beyond working. It also means promoting relationships with managers, team members and leaders, and feeling in line with daily tasks and long-term goals. Employees want to connect with your organization’s purpose and vision, so show how their work relates to your business goals.
2. communication
When employees are left in the dark, they are more likely to feel free. Frequent communication shows trust and respect even when there are no answers. During times of uncertainty, that kind of vulnerability becomes one of the most powerful tools for engagement.
“We are pleased to announce that Jennifer Schelke, CEO of Summit Group Solutions,” said:
Good communication also means that employees understand what they expect from them. This is essential to creating a proactive workplace culture. But a 2024 Gallup survey found that less than half of US workers say this. That is a serious problem.
“Teams need to understand the ‘why’ behind their work,” explains Cielke. “When expectations and strategies become clear, people feel more fully committed and unoverwhelmed.”
3. Thanks
Viewing – whether verbally, publicly or monetary – maintains team motivation and integrity. Positive feedback and perceptions make employees feel more valuable and show that the work they put in is not only important, but is valued by the leader.
“Everyone wants to be more recognized,” Smith says. “You have to recognize people in front of others and show appreciation on a massive basis, but then you need to recognize them both personally and financially.”
4. audio
“Voice is about enabling people to contribute meaningfully to how things are done,” says Kelsey Szamet, partner at Kingsley Szamet Employment Lawyers. But giving employees a voice is more than just listening. “Doing something about employee proposals gives people confidence in their leadership,” she adds.
Leaders may promote open communication through regular feedback meetings and research. When employees see their ideas being implemented, they know that their leaders take them seriously.
The bottom row to build a better workplace
When employees don’t feel engaged, they complete their work because they have to do it, not because they are passionate about it. They may achieve their goals in the short term, but they are unlikely to last in the long term.
Here’s what successful companies do to help employees make the most of their work:
- Promotes connections between employees and management
- Show employees how important their work is to the organization’s mission
- Show your appreciation in large and small ways
- Listen to employee ideas and implement them
- Communication with your employees even if you don’t have all the answers
“Ultimately, employees want to feel heard, valued and challenged in a way that matches their strengths,” Schielke says. “When leaders focus on integrity and intentional influence, engagement is a natural outcome, not a forced initiative.”
What is USA Today Top Workplaces 2025?
If you are looking for a more engaged job, we can help. Each year, USA Today Top Workplaces is a collaboration between Energage and USA Today, ranking US organizations that excel at creating positive work environments for their employees. Employee feedback determines the winner.
In 2025, over 1,500 companies were recognized as the best workplaces. Check out our overall rankings. You can also get more insight into workplace trends and advice by checking out the links below.
