Employee disengagement is a big problem, costing companies a massive $8.8 trillion each year, as highlighted by research from Gallup.
The research from Gallup shows how disengagement affects productivity, staff turnover, and overall business success.
The 2023 YouGov report ‘Taking Responsibility – Why UK PLC Needs Better Managers’ also emphasises the negative impact of disengagement on morale, innovation, and customer satisfaction, underlining the need for urgent action.
Despite facing many external challenges, leaders have control over one thing: themselves.
Effective leadership starts with understanding oneself, being aware of strengths and weaknesses, and committing to personal growth. By setting a positive example, leaders can inspire their teams to perform better and create a culture of success.
‘Organisations that invest in management and leadership development programmes see on average a 23% increase in organisational performance, and a 32% increase in employee engagement and productivity.’
To tackle disengagement, leaders need to focus on five key skills.
Good communication is essential. Leaders should clearly communicate their vision, give constructive feedback, and encourage open dialogue to unite their teams.
Emotional intelligence matters. Leaders who understand and connect with their team members build trust and boost morale.
Making smart decisions is crucial. Leaders who can analyse situations and make informed choices inspire confidence and lead their teams to success.
Being adaptable is vital in today’s fast-changing world. Leaders who embrace change and encourage innovation steer their teams through challenges.
Influence is a powerful tool. Leaders who can motivate and inspire others create a sense of purpose and belonging. By using persuasive communication and leading by example, they can unite their teams and achieve common goals.
‘Very few are trained for the job, with 82% becoming managers without any formal training - these are our ‘accidental managers’. Without access to quality management and leadership development, many report that they don’t have confidence in their ability to do their job and deliver results.’
Join us to create effective teams and prioritise employee engagement
While employee disengagement poses a significant challenge, effective leadership can overcome it. By mastering these five skills—communication, emotional intelligence, decision-making, adaptability, and influence—leaders can create engaged and effective teams and prioritise employee engagement for long-term business success.
‘Managers who have received formal training are significantly more likely to feel confident in their management abilities (83%) compared to those who have not (71%)”
