What is Employee Engagement and How Can You Improve It?

Understanding Employee Engagement

Employee engagement is more than just a buzzword, it’s the heartbeat of a thriving business. At its core, employee engagement effort refers to the emotional commitment employees feel towards their work, their colleagues, and the organisation’s mission. An engaged employee is not simply someone who turns up on time and meets their deadlines. They are invested in the business’s success, take pride in their role, and are motivated to contribute their best every single day.

At Make Events, we believe that employee engagement stems from purpose, passion and people – and we’re here to help those ideas come to life. When individuals feel valued and connected to a shared goal, they don’t just do their jobs, they bring energy, innovation, and positivity to everything they do. And when businesses nurture that mindset, the results speak for themselves.

The Benefits of Employee Engagement

Why should businesses focus on engagement? Because the impact reaches every corner of your company. Here’s how:

• Enhanced Productivity: Engaged employees are 17% more productive on average. They’re more focused, take initiative, and deliver consistently high-quality work.
• Improved Retention: When people feel seen, heard and appreciated, they’re far more likely to stay. Reducing turnover saves time, money, and the disruption of frequent recruitment.
• Greater Customer Satisfaction: When your team is genuinely happy, that enthusiasm spills over to your customers. Engaged employees provide better service, foster stronger client relationships, and create memorable customer experiences.
• Healthier Work Culture: Engaged teams are more collaborative, resilient and adaptable. They lift each other up, share ideas freely, and help create a culture where people genuinely want to be. Employee experience and employee happiness are the key to success.
• Increased Profitability: Studies show companies with high engagement levels can see up to 21% higher profitability. It’s not just good for morale, it’s great for business.

Strategies to Boost Employee Engagement

Improving engagement isn’t a one-size-fits-all task. It requires a thoughtful, tailored approach. Here are several key strategies that successful companies, including our own clients, often employ:

• Transparent Communication: People need to feel informed and included. Share successes, challenges and plans openly. Use regular town halls, newsletters, or digital updates to keep everyone in the loop.
• Invest in Development: At Make Events, we provide opportunities for learning and growth, whether through workshops, mentoring, or online courses. When employees see a future with your business, they’re more likely to commit to it.
• Celebrate the Wins: Recognition goes a long way. Whether it’s a shoutout in a team meeting, a monthly award, or a personalised thank-you card, acknowledging effort builds pride and loyalty.
• Support Work-Life Balance: Offering flexible working options or mental health days demonstrates genuine care for employee wellbeing. That, in turn, strengthens their commitment.
• Create Meaningful Moments: From team offsites to personalised onboarding experiences, make time to foster genuine connections. At Make Events, we specialise in crafting those moments that matter, turning routine into remarkable.

The Employee Engagement Model

To embed engagement across your business, consider adopting a structured engagement model that includes:

• Leadership Engagement: Leaders need to embody the values of the business. Their enthusiasm, or lack of it, sets the tone for the entire organisation.
• Values Alignment: Employees should be able to see how their personal values align with the company’s mission. Shared purpose creates powerful bonds.
• Clarity and Direction: Clearly communicate goals and ensure employees understand their role in achieving them. This alignment boosts both confidence and accountability in work engagement through performance reviews and learning new skills.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Employee feedback should be able to share their ideas, concerns and feedback regularly. Two-way communication is essential for sustained engagement and organisational success.

Key Drivers of Engagement

Every workplace is different, but certain drivers tend to have the biggest impact:

• Meaningful Work: Assign roles and responsibilities that align with individual strengths and passions.
• Strong Leadership: Leaders who listen, support and empower their teams are key to high engagement.
• Growth and Challenge: Give employees opportunities to stretch themselves. Progression keeps people inspired and improve low engagement.
• Appreciation and Autonomy: Show trust by giving employees ownership over their work. Pair this with regular recognition to boost motivation.
• Connection: Facilitate strong team relationships through collaboration, social activities, and team-building events helps employee turnover and remain an asset to your business with emotional employee connection.

Best Practices for Sustained Engagement

Building engagement isn’t a one-time initiative, it’s a continuous commitment. Here’s how to keep the momentum going for discretionary effort:

• Regular Check-ins: Managers should hold frequent one-to-ones to track wellbeing, progress and aspirations which boosts employee retention and increase job satisfaction.
• Surveys and Action Plans: Gather employee feedback via surveys, but don’t stop there, share results and take action to show you’re listening, make the necessary organisational changes.
• Cultural Rituals: Build rituals and traditions that reinforce your values, whether it’s weekly shoutouts, quarterly away days or anniversary celebrations.
• Inclusive Leadership: Empower employees to participate in shaping the business. Involvement drives ownership.
• Celebrate Milestones: Birthdays, work anniversaries, project completions—these are moments to pause and say, “We see you, and we appreciate you.”

Real-Life Insight Stories

Here are a few examples of how to engage workers – done right:

• Tech Start-Up: A London-based company implemented a remote-first culture with flexible hours, mental health support, and monthly virtual socials. Employee satisfaction rose by 32% in just six months.
• Financial Firm: After introducing a peer-nominated recognition programme, a regional accountancy firm saw a 40% uptick in internal morale and collaboration.
• Retail Chain: A nationwide brand rolled out leadership training, helping middle managers support their teams more effectively. The result? A 25% reduction in staff turnover.

At Make Events, we’ve supported countless clients in elevating their engagement through immersive, unforgettable experiences, from internal launches and annual awards shows to inspirational conferences that reignite purpose and pride during your employees lifecycle.

Innovative Ideas to Enhance Engagement

Looking to freshen up your engagement strategy? Try:

• Employee-Led Initiatives: Let teams run passion projects, whether it’s an office book club or a diversity task force.
• Reverse Mentoring: Pair junior and senior staff to exchange insights. It’s great for bridging generational gaps.
• Experience-Led Rewards: Go beyond vouchers—think spa days, creative workshops, or concert tickets.
• Hybrid Socials: Cater to both in-office and remote staff with inclusive virtual and in-person events.
• Surprise & Delight Moments: Little things—like surprise coffee deliveries or a handwritten note—can have a big impact.

Summary

Employee engagement is more than a metric, it’s a mindset. When you invest in your people, you invest in the future of your business. From structured strategies and meaningful feedback to celebration and connection, every touchpoint matters.

At Make Events, we specialise in designing internal events and experiences that do just that engage, excite, and energise your team. So if you’re ready to take your engagement to the next level, we’d love to show you how.