Running a business means making the most of every resource – including your people. Keeping them engaged is the best way to do that. High employee engagement isn’t just good for morale though. In this article we’ll explore the benefits of high engagement and share some simple ways to boost it across your organisation. 

What are the benefits of engaged employees? 

They're more productive

Engaged employees don’t just show up to work – they bring their best selves. That means they’re more focused, more efficient and, most importantly, invested in everything they do. They also take more pride in their work, leading to better quality, faster turnaround times and an overall boost in efficiency.  

Of course, this is incredibly valuable for all businesses. But it can be especially useful if you’re working in a competitive market where agility and responsiveness can make all the difference. This extra effort could also prove vital to small or medium-sized business where resources are often stretched. 

They keep staff turnover to a minimum

Regularly recruiting for new staff is expensive and disruptive. Frequent turnover can drain resources that you could be spending elsewhere. When your people feel valued and enjoy their work, they’re far more likely stay for longer and thrive. An engaged workforce will help you build stable teams that work well together and drive long-term success.  

There’s another advantage too – employees who stay with a company longer develop unique knowledge of the way your business functions. This can only be good for both internal efficiency and strong customer relationships. 

They help you stay competitive 

All businesses, whatever their size, need to be agile. That means having teams who can think creatively. Because engaged employees feel heard and valued, and take pride in their work, they’re more likely to be able to contribute fresh ideas and innovative solutions.  

This adaptability is particularly important for smaller businesses, where roles are often more fluid, and employees wear multiple hats. Encouraging a culture of engagement means you’ll build an environment where people feel safe taking initiative – and finding new ways to solve problems. 

How to improve engagement in your business

Building an engaged workforce doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. It comes down to simple things like recognising achievements, creating opportunities for development and building a positive workplace culture. Here are our top tips to do just that. 

1. Develop a strong employee value proposition (EVP)

An EVP is what sets your business apart as an employer. It’s the unique mix of benefits, culture and opportunities that make your company a great place to work. Having a strong EVP will help you attract and keep top talent – because it clearly communicates what employees can expect in return for their contributions. That might include career development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, a strong company culture or work that aligns with their values. 

If you’d like to find out more about developing your EVP, have a look at this article by Sarah Coates, Brand and Marketing Strategist at Mobas. 

2. Recognise and reward your people

Whether it’s a simple ‘thank you’, an employee-of-the-month scheme or performance-based incentives, a little appreciation can go a long way. Recognising individuals or teams publicly for their hard work and dedication is a great way to boost morale and motivation. It’ll also make people feel valued and engaged. 

Here are a few ways to recognise employees going the extra mile for your business

Organise social events: these are a great way to thank your team for their hard work. Socialising in a different environment also allows people to relax and bond, which can improve collaboration once they’re back at work. 

Create a peer-recognition programme: these give your employees the chance to acknowledge and reward each other’s contributions or achievements. This could include prizes or gift cards.  These types of schemes help build a culture of collaboration in the workplace and increase employees’ confidence. 

Celebrate milestones: birthdays, work anniversaries and promotions are great opportunities to show your employees how much you value them. This could be something as simple as giving them a cake or gift or organising a social event.  

3. Give your employees the chance to grow

Investing in training, mentorship and career progression will of course help your employees improve their skills. It’s also a great way to show them you care about their career growth and help them see a future at your business which creates loyalty and commitment, leading to higher engagement levels. 

Smaller businesses can also benefit from initiatives. These help employees develop skills in different areas, which can create a more adaptable and versatile team.  

Offering lots of development opportunities can make your business more attractive to potential new hires too. 

4. Encourage open communication 

Open communication builds trust, transparency and respect, and helps information flow effectively across all levels of an organisation. It also helps people feel more connected to achieving your business goals. 

Engaged employees feel heard, and free to share their ideas, worries and feedback. Regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions and informal discussions are a great way to give people a space to communicate. An open-door policy, where employees can approach their managers at any time, will also help you build transparency and trust.  

It’s also a good idea to have lots of different communication channels available, as people have different preferences. For example, some might not be comfortable sharing face to face – they might prefer the option to use email or messaging, for example. Giving everyone a way to contribute to the conversation is a surefire way to make them feel included.  

5. Build a positive workplace culture 

The good news is that if you follow the tips above, you’ll already be on the path to a supportive, inclusive and enjoyable work environment that keeps your people motivated.  

Positive work cultures must start at the top though – it’s vital that your leadership team see the value in this and embody behaviours that support it.   

Ready to take the next step? 

Best Employers, our employee engagement programme, will help you understand your people better, pinpointing what’s working and areas that you could improve. It’ll give you valuable insights into employee engagement within your business, helping you make better-informed decisions that drive long-term success. 

The 2025 programme is now open – you can find out more and book your place on the Best Employers’ website.