Employee Engagement: Importance, Exercises, Activities & Games

In today’s fast-paced work environment, it’s easy to lose sight of the human element. However, research shows that when employees feel engaged, appreciated, and connected at work, they are more productive, creative, and fulfilled.

The Importance of Connection

Feeling disconnected at work can negatively impact motivation, performance, and wellbeing. On the other hand, positive social connections lead to increased happiness, lower stress levels, and a greater sense of purpose. As leaders and team members, we all play a role in cultivating workplace cultures where people support each other and feel valued as human beings.

Exercises to Build Compassion

Practicing empathy and compassion at work enables us to relate to each other in positive ways. Here are some simple exercises for building understanding:

Make eye contact and truly listen when co-workers speak to you
Ask thoughtful questions about what matters to people
Offer encouragement and appreciation to those around you
Reflect on shared hopes, motivations and challenges at work

Games & Activities For Connection

Games and activities that bring people together for fun and collaboration are also beneficial. Some ideas:

Themed potlucks, cultural heritage celebrations, or volunteer days
Icebreakers and storytelling sessions to share backgrounds
Group mentoring or community discussion forums
Office sports teams, games, arts, or exercise groups

A Culture of Wellbeing & Fulfillment

While reaching targets and business objectives are important, the most successful organizations also invest in their employees’ overall health, purpose and belonging.

By cultivating compassion and human connections in the workplace, companies can unlock greater meaning, innovation and collective potential while supporting personal wellbeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is employee engagement important?

Engaged employees are more productive, creative, collaborative and invested in the company’s success. They also experience greater wellbeing, fulfillment and connection at work.

How can leaders improve engagement?

Leaders should role model empathy, truly listen to staff needs, offer encouragement and appreciation, provide growth opportunities, and invest in workplace health and wellbeing.

What are some simple engagement activities?

Potlucks, games, sports teams, mentoring programs, volunteering initiatives, workshops, cultural celebrations, arts groups and office parties that bring people together and strengthen connections.

How do teams benefit from engagement?

Engaged teams communicate better, are more innovative, resilient in adversity, embrace diversity, deliver higher quality work, experience less conflict, and are more productive.

What engagement metrics should be tracked?

Useful metrics include employee retention and tenure rate, sick day usage, workplace participation and activity levels, employee feedback survey results, workplace culture audits, and productivity metrics tied to engagement drivers.