Employee engagement is the backbone of a productive and motivated workforce. Companies that implement strong employee engagement strategies see higher retention, improved morale, and increased performance. According to a report done by Aptitude Research, companies with structured onboarding programs see a significant improvement in employee retention and satisfaction.
Here are 25 employee engagement strategies that will help your workforce stay engaged, motivated, and committed.
Preboarding Engagement Strategies
- Send a Welcome Package – Provide new hires with a personalized welcome email or package before their first day to make them feel valued.
- Offer Early Access to Company Resources – Allow new hires to explore policies, benefits, and training materials before they start.
- Assign a Preboarding Buddy – Connect new employees with an experienced colleague to answer questions before day one.
- Host a Virtual Meet & Greet – Set up virtual introductions with team members before the official onboarding process begins.
- Digitize Paperwork – Use a digital onboarding system to streamline pre-employment paperwork and minimize administrative delays.
Onboarding Engagement Strategies
- Create a Structured Onboarding Plan – A well-structured onboarding process improves retention and ensures employees feel confident in their roles (SHRM).
- Personalize the Onboarding Experience – Tailor training and development plans to align with the new hire’s role and goals.
- Introduce a Mentorship Program – Pair new employees with a mentor to provide guidance and encourage relationship-building.
- Use Gamification in Training – Engage new hires with interactive learning modules and incentives.
- Set Clear Goals and Expectations – Define success for the first 30, 60, and 90 days to give employees a roadmap to employee engagement success.
Crossboarding Engagement Strategies (for lateral moves or promotions)
- Develop a Clear Internal Mobility Program – Provide employees with a path for internal career advancement (LinkedIn).
- Offer Leadership Training – Equip promoted employees with leadership and management skills to help them transition successfully.
- Recognize and Celebrate Promotions – Announce career advancements publicly to boost morale and employee engagement.
- Provide New Role-Specific Training – Just like onboarding new employees, ensure crossboarding employees get the training they need to succeed in their new position.
- Encourage Peer Coaching – Have experienced employees guide those transitioning into new roles to help with knowledge sharing.
Ongoing Employee Engagement Strategies
- Conduct Regular Employee Check-Ins – Frequent feedback sessions improve job satisfaction and help employees feel heard.
- Create a Recognition & Rewards Program – Acknowledge hard work with incentives, bonuses, or public praise.
- Promote Work-Life Balance – Offer remote work options, mental health support, and flexible schedules to improve employee well-being.
- Leverage Employee Feedback – Use surveys and one-on-one meetings to understand and act on employee concerns.
- Encourage Collaboration & Team Bonding – Organize team-building activities and social events to foster relationships.
Technology & Data-Driven Engagement Strategies
- Use AI to Personalize Training & Development – Adaptive learning platforms tailor employee development programs to individual needs.
- Implement Employee Engagement Platforms – Platforms like Click Boarding improve onboarding and retention.
- Track Engagement Metrics – Use HR analytics to measure engagement levels and identify trends.
- Improve Internal Communication – Use tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams to facilitate seamless communication and transparency.
- Offer Career Growth & Upskilling Opportunities – Invest in continuous learning programs to support long-term career development.
Measuring Employee Engagement and KPIs
Measuring employee engagement is crucial for understanding how connected and committed your workforce is. By tracking specific metrics, organizations can gain insights into employee satisfaction, motivation, and overall engagement levels. Here are some key metrics and KPIs to consider:
Key Metrics for Measuring Employee Engagement
- Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS): This metric gauges how likely employees are to recommend your company as a great place to work. It provides a clear indicator of overall employee satisfaction and loyalty
- Voluntary Employee Turnover Rate: A lower turnover rate often indicates higher engagement, as engaged employees are less likely to leave the organization.
- Employee Retention Rate: This measures the percentage of employees who stay with the company over a specific period. High retention rates suggest effective engagement strategies.
- Absenteeism: Frequent absenteeism can be a sign of disengagement. Tracking absenteeism rates helps identify potential issues with employee morale.
- Employee Satisfaction Surveys: Regular surveys can provide valuable feedback on various aspects of the workplace, from job satisfaction to management effectiveness.
- Performance Metrics: Tracking individual and team performance can reveal how engaged employees are in their roles. High performance often correlates with high engagement.
- Glassdoor Ratings: Employee reviews on platforms like Glassdoor can offer insights into the overall employee experience and areas for improvement.
- Customer Satisfaction: Engaged employees often lead to higher customer satisfaction. Tracking customer feedback can indirectly measure employee engagement.
Final Thoughts
Engaged employees are productive employees. By investing in preboarding, onboarding, and crossboarding, organizations can significantly improve employee engagement and retention. Leverage these employee engagement strategies and see the impact on your workforce today!
written by: Elisha Bahr
Interested in learning more about Onboarding KPIs? Download our guide to learn more!
