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Employee engagement statistics highlight the role that motivated, committed employees play in driving business success. Engaged employees are not only more productive, but they’re also more loyal and passionate about their work, which directly impacts company performance.
It goes beyond simply showing up to work — it’s about employees’ emotional connection to their role, their sense of purpose, and their alignment with the company’s core values and mission. When employees feel valued and connected, they’re more likely to go above and beyond, which helps organizations meet and often exceed their goals.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the employee engagement statistics you need to know to build a workplace where people are excited to give their best every day.
What is employee engagement?
Employee engagement is a measure of the enthusiasm, emotional connection, and dedication workers have to their organization and its mission. People often confuse employee engagement with employee satisfaction, but engagement is centered around motivation and purpose, not just happiness.
Engaged employees are truly invested in their work, which drives innovation and helps create a positive, high-performance culture that benefits everyone in the organization.
15 employee engagement statistics you need to know
When employees feel motivated and connected to their work, it can lead to better productivity, higher morale, and a more positive work culture. But what does that really look like in action?
Here are 15 key statistics that highlight the power of employee engagement:
1. In the first quarter of 2024, 17% of employees were actively disengaged
The first quarter of 2024 saw 17% of employees actively disengaged, a slight increase from 16% in 2023. Though it’s a small change, the impact on workplace culture and performance can be significant. This statistic highlights the need for organizations to double down on engagement strategies and ensure employees feel valued and involved, preventing disengagement from becoming a larger issue.
2. 43% of employees feel burned out — 37% say it impacts their work
Burnout is hitting employees hard, with 43% reporting feeling burned out and 37% saying it affects their ability to do their job effectively. This is a wake-up call for businesses — employee well-being can’t be ignored. When burnout goes unaddressed, engagement drops, productivity suffers, and turnover rises. By prioritizing mental health and offering support, companies can create a more engaged, productive workforce and keep their employees motivated and thriving long-term.
3. 2.7 million Australian workers plan to leave their current job in the next year
Company spending on diversity, inclusion, and mental health practices has already reached $27.8 billion in Australia, yet the number of employees who plan to quit their jobs is at an all-time high. This trend is driven by a desire for a better work-life balance, career progression, and higher salaries. This trend reflects broader concerns about employee engagement and retention in the Australian workforce, emphasizing the need for employers to address employees’ needs to retain talent.
4. Millennial and Gen Z employees have seen a five-point drop in engagement
Millennial and Gen Z employees have seen engagement drop from 40% to 35%, with active disengagement increasing from 13% to 14%. This shift is a wake-up call for employers to focus on these younger workers, who make up a large part of the future workforce. To keep them engaged, organizations need to create an environment where they feel valued, supported, connected, and ready to do their best work.
5. Just one in three U.S. workers are engaged at work
Despite ongoing efforts to improve workplace culture and employee satisfaction, only 32% of U.S. employees report being fully engaged at work. This figure reveals a stark reality — nearly 70% of the workforce is either “not engaged” or “actively disengaged.” Engaged employees are those who feel a deep connection to their work and the organization, contributing enthusiastically to its success.
6. 58% of employees wish their company conducted employee engagement surveys more frequently
Although there is a clear connection between the frequency of surveys and engagement, only 21% of companies conduct engagement surveys three or more times a year. The workplace is constantly changing. To keep engagement high during periods of intense growth or unforeseen circumstances, leadership teams need to find ways to check in with their employees more often. Employee surveys can help gauge employee sentiment and prevent burnout — covering job function, development, and engagement, helping managers take real-time action.
7. Engaged employees outperform disengaged employees by more than 40%
Employee engagement has a direct impact on performance, but it’s only effective if HR uses engagement data strategically. According to a McLean & Co. report, 93% of engaged employees regularly go above and beyond their role’s expectations, compared to just 46% of disengaged employees. This shows how much engagement drives productivity. When employees feel connected and valued, they’re motivated to give their best.
8. Alignment with an organization’s values is the #1 predictor of employee engagement
When employees feel aligned with company values, they’re half as likely to job hunt and 9 times more committed to their roles. To build alignment, hire for values fit, connect work to intrinsic motivations, and offer development tied to company goals. Frequent communication — especially in remote settings — keeps employees engaged and reinforces a strong, values-driven culture.
9. When leaders communicate transparently, 85% of employees report feeling more engaged
Transparent communication builds trust and drives engagement. According to SHRM, 85% of employees feel more engaged when leaders communicate openly. Regular feedback channels, like always-on surveys and regular one-on-one meetings, reduce turnover by 14.9% and allow leaders to demonstrate their investment in employees. Open dialogue helps align employees with company goals and improves decision-making.
10. Over 80% of employees struggle to find the right coach at work
Traditional management often leads to micromanagement, leaving employees disengaged and managers overwhelmed. Coaching, however, empowers employees by focusing on strengths, challenges, and growth. With 85% of workers wanting a coach but only 17% knowing how to find one, organizations must expand coaching access. Encourage job rotations, stretch goals, and autonomy. When employees thrive, recognize their successes to reinforce a culture of growth and engagement.
11. Employees with a high sense of belonging are 6 times more engaged
A strong sense of belonging can significantly boost employee engagement. Those who feel they belong are 6 times more likely to be engaged at work. According to the Achievers Workforce Institute’s Belonging Blueprint, employees who experience belonging are not only more productive, but they also demonstrate higher levels of job satisfaction and commitment. Fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued leads to improved retention and better overall business performance.
12. Disengaged employees account for approximately $1.9 trillion in lost productivity nationally
Disengaged employees cost U.S. businesses a staggering $1.9 trillion in lost productivity each year. But when employees feel engaged, they show up consistently, work more efficiently, and are more committed to quality and safety. The key? A culture of recognition. Regular, meaningful appreciation keeps employees motivated, boosts morale, and drives the productivity every organization needs to thrive.
13. 83% of leaders think their workforce is fully engaged — only 48% of employees agree
There’s a significant gap between what leaders believe and what employees actually experience when it comes to engagement. According to a Right Management survey, 83% of leaders think their team is fully engaged, yet only 48% of employees would describe themselves that way. This disconnect can lead to an “engagement crisis,” highlighting the need for leaders to get a true pulse on employee engagement.
14. 72% of employees prefer a job where they feel valued and supported over more pay without support
As it turns out, 72% of employees would rather feel supported and valued at their job over an environment that pays 30% more but doesn’t offer that same sense of care. It’s a reminder that while competitive pay is important, it’s not the only thing that keeps employees engaged. A culture where employees feel appreciated and part of a supportive team can go a long way in boosting loyalty and retention.
15. Employees with access to internal mobility are twice as likely to be highly engaged
Employees with strong internal mobility programs are twice as likely to be engaged. This shows that when employees see opportunities for growth within the company, they feel more valued and connected, leading to higher engagement. However, only 25% of employees feel their company’s internal mobility program is excellent. By improving these programs, organizations can enhance engagement, boost retention, and create a more loyal, motivated workforce.
Start building employee engagement with the right tools
Building employee engagement starts with the right strategies to shape a workforce that drives business success. Employee engagement statistics show that when companies prioritize employee voice and recognition, the result is a more connected and motivated workforce.
Achievers helps organizations build an environment where employees feel valued and motivated, providing powerful tools and insights that enhance recognition and strengthen company culture. With personalized data and seamless integration into everyday workflows, Achievers’ employee recognition platform enables businesses to foster a culture of appreciation, boost engagement, and drive meaningful results.
By tying recognition to company goals, employees are inspired to do their best work, which in turn boosts productivity, improves retention, and drives overall success. This link between recognition and performance creates a thriving, results-driven workplace for everyone.
