New Study Highlights Employee Engagement as Top HR Priority for Organizational Success

The latest findings from Workbuzz and HR.com's HR Research Institute reveal a clear message for HR professionals: enhancing employee engagement and experience is paramount for organizational success. The study, 'Trends in Employee Engagement 24/25,' provides a comprehensive look at how prioritizing these areas can lead to measurable improvements across various HR metrics. With employee engagement at the top of the list, the research also highlights the importance of communication, especially with frontline workers, and the benefits of conducting employee surveys at least quarterly.

Organizations that have embraced frequent communication and feedback mechanisms report striking advancements in key areas. Notably, retention rates saw a 53% improvement compared to 21% in less frequent surveyors, and talent attraction increased by 58% versus 27%. Productivity and performance enhancements were reported at 62% for those surveying quarterly or more, dwarfing the 30% improvement seen by others. Furthermore, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) efforts improved by 64% in organizations with frequent surveys, compared to 43% in those that did not prioritize such communication.

The study also sheds light on the challenges of reaching frontline workers, a demographic often overlooked in engagement strategies. Organizations that found it easy or very easy to communicate with these employees were significantly more likely to report improvements in engagement and experience levels. This finding underscores the need for tailored communication strategies that address the unique needs of all workforce segments.

Debbie McGrath of HR.com and Ryan Tahmassebi of WorkBuzz emphasize the transformative potential of prioritizing engagement and communication. Their insights suggest that beyond annual surveys, creating real-time feedback loops and maintaining open channels are essential for responding to employee needs and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. As businesses look toward 2025, the study serves as a critical resource for developing strategies that not only enhance employee satisfaction but also drive organizational performance in an increasingly competitive landscape.