How to tackle employee disengagement

What is employee disengagement?

Employee disengagement refers to individuals in a workplace that are emotionally detached or uninvolved in their tasks and the overall company mission. Essentially, it’s when employees feel disconnected, uninspired, or demotivated, leading to a decline in productivity and a potential negative impact on the work culture.

Disengaged employees impact on the workplace

Employee disengagement doesn’t just affect individual team members; it has a ripple effect on the entire organisation. Productivity may decline, collaboration may suffer, and the overall atmosphere may become less positive. Recognising the signs early and addressing them proactively is key to maintaining a vibrant and engaged workforce.

10 x habits of disengaged employees

• Clock-watching – Constantly checking the time, counting down the minutes until the end of the workday.
• Minimal interaction – Limited communication and interaction with colleagues and supervisors.
• Lack of initiative – Avoiding taking on additional responsibilities or showing initiative in tasks.
• Frequent absences – Taking unplanned or frequent time off without valid or ambiguous reasons.
• Missed deadlines – Regularly failing to meet project deadlines or submitting subpar work.
• Negative or change in attitude – Expressing pessimism, complaining, or displaying a generally negative outlook.
• Reduced collaboration – Avoiding collaborative projects with team members and working in isolation.
• Limited skill development – Failing to seek opportunities for skill enhancement or career growth.
• Low energy levels – Consistently appearing fatigued, unenthusiastic, or disinterested.
• Talking about turnover – Discussing job searches, expressing dissatisfaction, or hinting at leaving the company.

What causes employee disengagement

• Lack of communication
  Friendly and transparent communication channels are vital. When employees feel left in the dark about company updates or decisions, it can contribute to disengagement.
• Limited recognition
  Recognising and appreciating employees’ efforts is key. When hard work goes unnoticed, individuals may feel undervalued, leading to disengagement.
• Inadequate development opportunities
  A workplace that invests in the growth of its employees boosts engagement. Without opportunities for skill development and career advancement, disengagement can set in.
• Unclear expectations
  Employees thrive when they have a clear understanding of their roles and expectations. Ambiguity can lead to frustration and disengagement.
• Lack of flexibility and work-life balance
  Striking the right balance between work and personal life is essential for employee wellbeing. Today’s employees value a work environment that acknowledges their diverse needs and allows them to manage personal responsibilities alongside professional commitment.

What is re-engagement?

Re-engagement refers to the strategic efforts and initiatives taken by an organisation to reconnect, motivate, and reignite the enthusiasm of disengaged employees. It involves implementing positive changes, addressing concerns, and creating a supportive environment to encourage employees to actively participate and contribute to their work and the overall success of the company.

Actionable steps: How to re-engage employee disengagement

• Conduct stay interviews

Instead of waiting until an exit interview, conduct stay interviews to understand current concerns and preferences. This proactive approach allows you to address issues before they lead to disengagement.

How to: Schedule regular one-on-one discussions with employees to gather feedback on their experiences, concerns, and suggestions. Use this information to make positive changes and show employees that their opinions are valued.

• Provide development opportunities

Offering opportunities for skill development and career growth demonstrates a commitment to employees’ long-term success, which can reignite their motivation and engagement.

How to: Implement training programs, mentorship initiatives, or workshops that align with employees’ career aspirations. Encourage employees to set and work towards professional development goals.

• Support and inclusiveness

It may seem obvious, but a positive and inclusive workplace culture contributes significantly to employee engagement. Employees are more likely to be motivated when they feel supported and appreciated.

How to: Encourage teamwork, recognise achievements, and work towards a supportive atmosphere. Implement initiatives such as team-building activities, employee recognition programs, or wellness programs to improve morale.

• Flexible work arrangements

Providing flexibility in work arrangements acknowledges the diverse needs of employees, contributing to improved work-life balance and overall satisfaction.

How to: Evaluate and implement flexible scheduling options, remote work policies, or compressed workweeks. Ensure that these arrangements align with both organisational needs and employees’ preferences.

• Recognise and reward contributions

Recognising and rewarding employees for their hard work reinforces a positive workplace culture and motivates individuals to go above and beyond.

How to: Establish a formal recognition program that highlights individual and team achievements. This could include employee of the month awards, shout-outs from colleagues, or tangible rewards such as gift cards or additional time off.

• Encourage a speak up culture

Transparent and open communication builds trust and allows employees to express their concerns, ideas, and feedback without fear of reprisal.

How to: Create avenues for open communication, such as regular town hall meetings, suggestion boxes, or anonymous feedback channels. Actively listen to employees’ concerns and communicate how their input contributes to positive changes within the organisation.

At Stribe, we makes teams happier. It’s that simple. If you’d like to learn more about our employee engagement platform and survey software we’d love to chat.

Speak to the Stribe team