Gallup data shows that employee engagement in the U.S. has hit its lowest point in a decade with only 31% of employees actively engaged and 17% actively disengaged.
This dip in engagement can have serious consequences, dragging down productivity, profitability, and morale, while driving up absenteeism and turnover. This mid-year period can be especially tough, as employees may struggle to stay motivated if they feel off track with their goals.
The upside? HR professionals have proven strategies to turn things around. From purposeful team building and well-being initiatives to skill-building opportunities, you can reenergize your workforce and set the stage for a strong finish to the year.
Common Signs of Employee Disengagement
Disengagement often happens gradually and can be hard to spot. Watch for these key warning signs to identify employees who may be slipping and take action to re-engage them before it’s too late.
Low Morale
Disengaged employees often have a hard time finding purpose in their work. They may feel undervalued or believe their contributions don’t matter, which can quickly drain motivation and foster negative feelings toward their job, workplace, and colleagues.
Decreased Productivity
Disengaged employees often feel disconnected from their roles and lack the drive to perform at their best. As motivation fades, their pace may slow, and they may focus on simply checking off tasks rather than delivering quality work. This can result in more mistakes, weaker output, less communication, decreased initiative, and missed deadlines—ultimately impacting the productivity and moral of the entire team.
Absenteeism
A highly engaged workforce can lead to up to 81% better attendance. When employees lack motivation or enthusiasm for their work, they may feel that their presence doesn’t really matter. On top of that, stress and burnout can increase the likelihood of taking sick days.
Strategies to Address Disengagement in the Workplace
The good news? A mid-year slump isn’t permanent and there’s plenty you can do to turn things around. Try putting these seven strategies into action to reenergize your team and help them refocus for a strong finish.
1. Team-Building Events
Team-building events offer a fun, low-pressure setting for employees to strengthen their connects. By working together to overcome challenges, team members build trust and camaraderie. These experiences can help create a more positive and supportive workplace culture.
2. Outdoor Activities
Taking advantage of warm, sunny weather with outdoor activities gives employees a refreshing change of pace and a break from their usual routine. This simple shift can lift morale and help re-energize your team.
3. Virtual Happy Hour
A virtual happy hour provides employees with a relaxed opportunity to unwind and connect beyond work. These informal conversations can spark new ideas, enhance teamwork and communication, and strengthen feelings of community, belonging, and loyalty within the organization.
4. Promoting Wellbeing
Employees want to know you care about them as people, not just for their output. Think about creating a meditation space, providing gym membership perks, or hosting stress management workshops. You could also launch an inclusive group fitness challenge to promote self-care across your team.
5. Skill Development
Offering skill development opportunities, whether through online courses, in-person workshops, or stipends for classes and conferences, shows employees that you recognize their potential and are committed to their growth. These experiences can boost their confidence and reignite their passion for their work.
6. Breaks and Time Off
Encourage your employees to take breaks when needed and fully use their paid time off benefits. Chronic stress can cause burnout, so it’s essential for your team to understand the importance of rest to stay motivated and prepared for upcoming challenges.
7. Rewards and Recognition
Data shows that employees who feel well-recognized are 45% less likely to leave within two years. Acknowledging and rewarding their efforts reinforces that their work is valuable and contributes to the organization’s success. This boost in morale and job satisfaction is especially important when motivation is waning.
Employee Engagement Is Always Worth the Investment
Though the mid-year slump can be worrisome, taking proactive steps to combat it can keep your employees engaged and energized for the months ahead. Whether through skill-building or team-building initiatives, your efforts to reignite motivation benefits both your team and the entire organization.
If you’re seeking tools to develop effective, compliant policies and programs to boost morale, VirgilHR is here to help. Schedule a demo today to see how our automated platform can enhance your legal and HR expertise, empowering you to create a motivating workplace that stays compliant.
Sources:
1. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/654911/employee-engagement-sinks-year-low.aspx
2. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/236927/employee-engagement-drives-growth.aspx
3. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/650174/employee-retention-depends-getting-recognition-right.aspx
