Employee Engagement Emerges as Top HR Priority with Frequent Surveys Driving Key Business Metrics

A recent study conducted by Workbuzz and HR.com's HR Research Institute has revealed that enhancing employee engagement and experience is the top priority for HR professionals. The research, titled 'Trends in Employee Engagement 24/25,' sheds light on the evolving landscape of human resources and the strategies organizations are adopting to boost workforce productivity and satisfaction. The study emphasizes that while employee engagement is at the forefront, HR leaders are simultaneously focusing on other critical areas including increasing worker productivity, attracting top talent, cultivating a positive organizational culture, and promoting employee well-being.

One of the most significant findings from the research demonstrates the powerful impact of frequent employee surveys on organizational success. Companies that conduct surveys at least quarterly report substantially greater improvements across multiple key performance indicators compared to those surveying less frequently. Retention rates improved by 53% versus 21% for less frequent surveyors, while talent attraction increased by 58% versus 27%. Productivity and performance enhancements reached 62% versus 30%, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging improvements reached 64% versus 43% for organizations conducting quarterly surveys versus those surveying less frequently.

The research also highlights the critical importance of effective communication with frontline workers, who are often harder to reach due to the nature of their work. Organizations that reported increased employee experience and engagement levels over the past year were significantly more likely to find it easy or very easy to communicate with frontline workers, with 70% reporting ease of communication compared to only 20% of organizations that did not experience engagement improvements. Debbie McGrath, Chief Instigator and CEO of HR.com, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating that employee engagement and communication are more than just buzzwords but rather a cornerstone of organizational success.

Ryan Tahmassebi, People Science Director at WorkBuzz, added crucial insight regarding feedback frequency, noting that annual surveys are a start but insufficient in today's fast-paced workplace. Organizations that create real-time feedback loops and maintain open communication channels are better equipped to respond to employee needs and drive engagement. The implications of this research are far-reaching for businesses across industries as they navigate the complexities of the modern workplace. The findings suggest that investing in robust employee engagement strategies and frequent, effective communication can lead to significant improvements in key performance indicators. HR professionals and business leaders can access the full research report, Trends in Employee Engagement 24/25, for comprehensive analysis of engagement practices and strategies. Additionally, a recorded session titled Today's Top HR Priorities and Practices Heading into 2025 is available, featuring insights from industry experts on navigating workforce management challenges.

As organizations strive to create more engaging and productive work environments, this research serves as a valuable resource for developing sophisticated approaches to meet the evolving needs of the workforce. The findings underscore the critical importance of prioritizing employee engagement and communication as fundamental drivers of organizational success in the years to come, with the data clearly demonstrating that frequent measurement and responsive communication strategies yield substantial returns across multiple business metrics.