Navigating employee engagement in the age of remote work

As work continues to evolve, keeping employees engaged and connected is more important than ever. Explore actionable ways to build a stronger culture of engagement in your organization.

With the rise of remote and hybrid teams, disengagement has become a real challenge. Many employees feel disconnected from their teams and organizations, which can make work less fulfilling and productive. The physical distance and lack of face-to-face interaction can feel isolating and make it tough for team members to feel they truly belong and are connected to their organization. This disconnection affects everyone – employees feel it, and employers see it in decreased productivity and higher turnover.

Engagement is the heartbeat of a healthy, vibrant workplace. Employees bring enthusiasm, commitment, and active participation to their roles when they're engaged. They perform better and feel more satisfied with their work, helping create a positive environment where everyone feels valued and motivated. This leads to positive outcomes for both individuals and the organization.

At Scribl, we believe real human connections are essential for thriving teams and organizations. We approach connection through four key pillars: belonging, empathy, trust, and engagement. In this article, we’ll dive into engagement – why it’s important, the benefits it brings, and practical ways to cultivate it in your workplace.

What is engagement?

We see engagement as the enthusiasm, commitment, and active participation that employees bring to their work. Engaged employees are excited about their work, understand their roles, and see how their efforts contribute to the organization’s success. Engagement requires leadership and organizational support, creating an environment where employees feel respected and involved.

Why engagement matters

Engagement is a game-changer at every level of the workplace, helping individuals, teams, and organizations thrive. Here are some of the reasons why.

Engagement boosts productivity and job satisfaction.

Research shows that engaged employees are more productive and satisfied with their jobs. This creates a positive feedback loop, helping employees be more motivated and leading them to align their tasks with their skills and goals.

Engagement supports wellbeing.

Engagement contributes to better mental health. It’s a key factor in helping employees feel that they matter, and that their work matters. When employees feel valued and recognized, they experience less stress and a lower risk of depression, enhancing their overall wellbeing.

Engagement fosters innovation and teamwork.

Employees who feel like they matter at work, and are emotionally invested, are more likely to share ideas and challenge the status quo. They’re more comfortable and energized to take risks and pursue innovative solutions. Engaged employees are more adaptable, eager to learn, and motivated to collaborate, inspiring others and creating a vibrant, collaborative work culture.

Engagement reduces turnover.

High engagement is associated with lower turnover rates. Research shows that highly engaged teams see 18% to 43% less turnover compared to teams with low engagement. This reduces the risk of existing staff being overworked during transitions and the costs of hiring and training new employees.

How to build engagement

Building engagement today takes an intentional approach, especially from managers and leaders, but is worth it. Here are some strategies to get started.

Prioritize relationships and recognition.

Strong relationships, characterized by respect and appreciation, lead to more engaged employees. Make it a point to acknowledge and celebrate achievements on your team. Recognize how people handle challenges, encourage a job well done, and say thank you often.

As leaders, be empathetic and accessible.

Leaders play an important role in creating an engaged culture. Be present and approachable, communicate openly, and minimize distractions during interactions. When employees feel seen and supported by their leaders, they are more likely to reciprocate that and be more engaged.

Practice open communication.

Keep your team in the loop about organizational goals and create opportunities for dialogue. Involving them in the big picture fosters inclusion and encourages meaningful feedback. By actively seeking their input and taking steps based on their insights, you help your employees know that you value their contributions.

Create opportunities for meaningful work and growth.

People are more engaged when they feel like their work aligns with their skills, passions, and goals. Find out what your employees enjoy and aspire to, and support them in pursuing projects that match those interests.

Questions to build engagement

To understand what energizes your team, their goals, and how you can empower them in their work, try asking questions like these.

• What are your career goals?
• What are you excited about right now?
• What have you enjoyed working on this year?
• What areas would you like to grow in? Are there certain projects you’re interested in taking on?
• How can we improve the way our team works together?
• Do you feel like your skills are being used to their full potential? If not, I’d love to hear your ideas on how we can use them better, or we can brainstorm together.
  

Build an engaged workplace culture and help your team thrive with Scribl

Engagement is key to a happy, healthy workplace. It impacts everything from productivity and innovation to job satisfaction and mental health. By fostering strong relationships, open communication, and growth opportunities, you can help create an environment where employees feel genuinely respected and motivated.

Scribl makes it easy to integrate engagement-boosting practices into your daily routine. Our digital game is designed to build and measure connection in the workplace through creativity and engaging prompts. It creates space for conversations that matter, encourages active participation, and helps cultivate a strong sense of inclusion on your team. Scribl is a flexible, fun solution to grow engagement that can fit seamlessly into your organization.

Book a demo today to see Scribl in action and discover how it can strengthen relationships and engagement within your team.