Managers are the Secret Behind Employee Engagement

Cathie Leimbach • September 14, 2021

The term employee engagement relates to the level of an employee's commitment and connection to an organization. Employee engagement has emerged as a critical driver of business success in today's competitive marketplace. High levels of engagement promote retention of talent, foster customer loyalty, and improve organizational performance and stakeholder value.

 

So, how serious is the employee engagement issue? While leaders may be aware that "engagement" is necessary, the data provides an even stronger case. Recent research shows that 70% of American workers are disengaged – meaning they are emotionally disengaged from their managers and their company – showing up for the paycheck and little else. Of that 70%, 18% are actively disengaged and working against the company.

 

Let's look at a team of 11 people. Using these numbers, three team members are actively engaged, six are disengaged – simply showing up, and two are actively disengaged – working against the company's goals. Your team of 11 employees is creating lower productivity, decreased profitability, and lowered customer satisfaction.

 

We can understand the differences between engaged and disengaged employees by looking at their characteristics:

Engaged Behaviors

  • Optimistic
  • Team-oriented
  • Goes above and beyond
  • Solution-oriented
  • Selfless
  • Shows a passion for learning
  • Passes along credit but accepts blame


Disengaged Behaviors

  •  Pessimistic
  •  Self-centered
  •  High absenteeism
  •  Negative attitude
  •  Egocentric
  •  Focuses on monetary worth
  •  Accepts credit but passes along blame

   

Think about your employees and the teams you have created. How many of your team members are exhibiting disengaged behaviors? And then imagine what would happen in terms of productivity and profitability if you could turn that around. 

 

So, what is the solution? Research shows that disengagement occurs when management practices and organizational culture don’t empower and develop employees. And even more importantly, it is your managers behavior that builds organizational culture.

 

Managers are the secret behind increased engagement. When managers are taught and empowered to move from just managing the work to coaching and developing their employees, engagement increases significantly. 

 

Investing time and resources to train your managers to be more effective will result in a more robust organizational culture and increased engagement. Equipping them with the tools to focus on coaching and developing their employees will result in a more engaged workforce, leading to higher productivity and profitability.

 

Managers are your most important asset in increasing engagement. Here are some of the benefits overall when your managers play a critical role in coaching and developing their teams:

  • If a company increases employee engagement by 10%, research shows that results in $2,400 in annual profit per employee. Now imagine you can improve it by 20%, 30%, or more.
  • Increased employee engagement and a strong relationship with their manager helps you to retain the employees you need and want in your company.  And in today’s job market, that is even more critical.
  • Increased productivity occurs when employees are engaged – with some impressive statistics:

- 57% more effort

- 41% fewer errors

- 37% decreased absenteeism

- 41% fewer accidents.

 

Employees don't leave companies; they leave their managers. Providing training to help your managers develop the skills they need to coach and develop their employees effectively will significantly benefit your company.

Take a Moment for Joy

By Cathie Leimbach • December 23, 2025
As the year comes to a close, it’s worth pausing to ask a simple question: What brought you joy this year at work and in life? Joy doesn’t always arrive in big, headline moments. Often, it shows up quietly—in meaningful conversations, shared laughter, progress made, lessons learned, or the steady presence of people who support us. Sometimes joy is found in growth, sometimes in rest, and sometimes in simply getting through a challenging season with resilience and grace. Take a few minutes to reflect. What moments made you smile? When did you feel most connected? For what are you grateful? This reflection isn’t about ignoring the hard parts of the year. It’s about honoring the bright spots that sustained you through them. Recognizing joy helps us close the year with perspective and open the next one with hope. As the holidays approach, give yourself permission to slow down, savor meaningful moments, and share joy with others—through kindness, gratitude, and presence.  May this season be filled with moments that lift your spirit, and may you carry that joy with you into the year ahead. 👉 Take a moment to pause this season—view the Reflecting on Joy one-pager and reflect on what brought meaning to your work and life this year. Wishing you a truly joy-filled Christmas season .

Wrapping Up Your Year – Celebrate Your Wins

By Cathie Leimbach • December 16, 2025
As you’re wrapping presents this season, it’s also a great time to wrap up your year with intention. The end of the year offers a natural pause—a chance to reflect, appreciate, and celebrate the people who made a difference along the way. At work, we often move from one deadline to the next without stopping to say thank you. Take a moment to recognize your teammates. Maybe it’s the coworker who always had your back, or the leader who helped you stretch and grow. A sincere “thank you” or a short handwritten note can go a long way. It doesn’t need to be elaborate—just genuine. The same holds true in your personal life. When was the last time you told a friend or family member how much they mean to you? Between holiday plans and to-do lists, it’s easy to forget that our presence often matters more than any present. Every year brings both highs and lows. As this one comes to a close, choose to focus on what went right. Celebrate the small wins and acknowledge the people who supported you through the challenging moments. So, while you’re taping up gift boxes, take a little time to wrap up your year with gratitude. Send the text. Write the card. Let people know they’re valued. After all, the most meaningful gift you can give is helping someone feel truly appreciated. Want more simple, meaningful ways to express appreciation—without overspending?  👉 View Sharing Joy at Work Without Breaking the Bank for practical ideas you can use right away.