What is Low Employee Engagement Costing Your Organization?

If you had to look at the lack of productivity, what would you say is the cost to your bottom line?

As a leadership and employee engagement researcher, I was taken aback when I received the findings from my recent study. Partnering with a research company, we gathered responses from 1,000 working Americans across the country, representing various genders and generations. And let me tell you, the results were nothing short of fascinating. A staggering 81% of working Americans believe they deserve to be happier at their jobs. It's like having a room full of people who'd overwhelmingly opt for chocolate cake over salad—not surprising, but truly a testament to the state of emotional wellbeing in our workplaces.

Respondents also confessed that increased happiness and resilience would boost their productivity, creativity, and overall performance. Imagine that: a thriving workforce not just going through the motions but truly giving their all. Sounds like a dream, right? The great news is that there are research-backed strategies we can employ to bring this dream to life.

First, invest in emotional intelligence training programs.

Whether through in-person events or online courses, equip your team with skills in resilience, empathy, self-awareness, and emotional regulation. It's like providing them with a toolkit for navigating complex human interactions. And here's an interesting fact: 60% of respondents believe live events could enhance their happiness, and there's a notable interest in reading and podcasts. Perhaps a team book or podcast club could foster engagement.

Next, foster open communication.

Create environments where employees can voice their feelings and concerns without fear. This isn't just about daily check-ins; it’s about understanding their lives beyond work. Interestingly, 69% of working Americans say their manager influences their resilience. Being a supportive, communicative leader matters profoundly.

Finally, prioritize emotional intelligence in your organization.

While we’ve long focused on office culture perks, it’s time to delve deeper. In this age of AI, emotional intelligence should take center stage. More than 90% of workers believe that boosting happiness and resilience would enhance productivity, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership. So, ask yourself: which of these improvements do you want less of? Naturally, the answer is none. It’s time to place EI, not AI, at the forefront.

A striking 77% of working Americans believe there is a resilience crisis in the workplace. I couldn't agree more. Resilience—the ability to stay optimistic and pursue meaningful goals amidst life’s challenges—is something we undeniably need. You might think it's not your role to teach happiness, but I challenge you: whose role is it?

I urge you to dedicate time to emotional wellness training in the workplace. Treat it as a vital business metric—it is essential. Imagine your workplace buzzing with enthusiastic, engaged employees ready to contribute. Investing in emotional intelligence is like sowing seeds for a more resilient and content environment. And wouldn’t you want to reap such a harvest? The research is crystal clear. If nothing else, start today. Let's stop calling them soft skills; they are the most critical skills.

Ready to dive into more strategies for a happier, more resilient workforce? Check out the research here.