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Businesses around the world are in the throes of an employee engagement crisis, according to Gallup.
In 2016, they reported that only 32% of US employees were engaged. And worldwide, that number dipped to just 13%.
Despite this, engagement – or positive employee attitudes that lead to improved business outcomes – remains top of employers’ performance wish list.
77 % of clients cite it as the number one thing they’d like to improve 1. So why is engagement still so low? Perhaps because one, fundamental pillar is often overlooked in the effort to connect with employees: their health.
“Employees cannot engage with their organisations if they are sick, extremely stressed, or constantly battling impaired physical or psychological wellbeing,” says Dr David Batman – member of the Science Advisory Board at Virgin Pulse Institute, and a registered Consultant Specialist in Occupational Health.
“Prioritising health – both physical and psychological – is arguably one of the most import pre-requisites to engagement,” he adds. “If you can proactively manage stress and psychological wellbeing, create a space where it’s safe to ask for help and support, and also promote self-care behaviours, then, in this environment, engagement should increase.”
Dr Batman further explains how expanding on these elements of workplace culture can continue to provide notable return: “As well as being happier, healthier and more committed, research shows that engaged employees have fewer sickness absences, suffer less presenteeism, and are less likely to get involved in conflicts and grievances.
“Good health is the foundation of it all. That is the key.”
Fire up your workforce and download our whitepaper, Get Engaged.