According to The New Towers Perrin Global Workforce Study of over 90,000 employees worldwide, 38% of all employees are either feeling disengaged or disenchanted. This number is not surprising, as the Gallup and Blessing White polls have shown the same data. However, from culture to culture and country to country, the study found that one key driver clearly stood out among the many… 

 

 

This is the top engagement driver globally, and it is also listed in the top ten in multiple countries including Canada, France, Germany and the United States. In short, this is the most pressing topic that needs to be addressed to increase employee engagement. 

I know this seems like common sense. But, if senior management involvement is such a “common sense” approach to employee engagement, why did only 38% of employees worldwide respond in the affirmative to the above statement?

If you are in senior management, be aware that one of the easiest things to do to improve motivation and engagement is to show interest. At yesterday’s event, I asked the participants how they thought this key driver could be enhanced in their area. One woman shouted out “Learn our names!” And then the funniest thing happened – the other 99 participants chuckled, shouted “Amen” or clapped. 

 

Is it possible? Is it truly possible that in 2009, with all this leadership training at their fingertips, that some executive leaders still think it’s OK to not know the names of their direct team reports?

 

If you are a senior manager, or any level manager, here is what you can work on…

 

 

 

 Try and show interest in your employee’s well-being, and share your results with me! I am confident your employees will appreciate the effort, and in turn be more engaged in what they do.