Employee Engagement and Experience Top HR Priorities for 2025, Study Reveals

A recent study conducted by Workbuzz and HR.com's HR Research Institute has identified enhancing employee engagement and experience as the primary focus for HR professionals heading into 2025. The research, titled "Trends in Employee Engagement 24/25", sheds light on the evolving priorities in human resources and the strategies that are proving most effective in addressing them.

While employee engagement and experience take center stage, the study also highlights several other crucial areas of concern for HR leaders. These include improving worker productivity, attracting top talent, cultivating a positive organizational culture, and promoting employee well-being. The research suggests that these priorities are interconnected, with improvements in one area often leading to positive outcomes in others.

One of the key findings of the study is the significant role that communication plays in addressing these HR priorities. The research examined both the frequency of employee surveys and the effectiveness of communication with frontline workers, who are often more challenging to reach due to their lack of designated office spaces and computer access.

The data reveals a strong positive correlation between the frequency of employee surveys and organizational success in key HR areas. Companies that conduct surveys at least quarterly report substantially greater improvements compared to those surveying less frequently. For instance, 53% of organizations conducting frequent surveys saw improvements in retention, compared to only 21% of those surveying less often. Similar disparities were observed in talent attraction (58% vs. 27%), productivity and performance (62% vs. 30%), and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives (64% vs. 43%).

Furthermore, the study uncovered a notable link between improved employee experience and engagement levels and the ease of communicating with frontline workers. Organizations reporting increased engagement levels over the past year were significantly more likely to find it easy or very easy to communicate with their frontline staff (70% vs. 20%).

These findings underscore the critical importance of regular, effective communication in driving improvements across various HR priorities. As Debbie McGrath, Chief Instigator and CEO of HR.com, stated, "Employee engagement and communication are more than just buzzwords; they are a cornerstone of organizational success." She emphasized that organizations prioritizing these aspects tend to see better talent retention and measurable improvements in productivity and overall performance.

Ryan Tahmassebi, People Science Director at WorkBuzz, added insight on the frequency of feedback, noting that annual surveys are insufficient in today's fast-paced work environment. He stressed the importance of creating real-time feedback loops and maintaining open communication channels to better respond to employee needs and drive engagement.

The implications of this research for HR professionals and business leaders are significant. It suggests that investing in more frequent and effective communication strategies, particularly with frontline workers, could yield substantial benefits across multiple HR priorities. Organizations looking to improve their talent retention, attraction, productivity, and DEIB initiatives may find success by implementing more regular survey practices and enhancing their communication channels.

As the workplace continues to evolve, the ability to engage employees effectively and maintain open lines of communication will likely become even more crucial. HR professionals and business leaders should consider these findings as they develop their strategies for 2025 and beyond, potentially reevaluating their current practices in light of the clear benefits associated with more frequent engagement and improved communication.

For those seeking more detailed insights, the full research report is available for free download. Additionally, HR professionals can access a recorded session titled "Today's Top HR Priorities and Practices Heading into 2025", featuring expert panelists who provide guidance on navigating the complexities of managing today's workforce.