47 percent of employees around the world are not engaged with their work, according to the latest study by Qualtrics, and in some countries, the number of disengaged people is even higher. In Singapore, for example, it rises to 53 percent; and in Japan, with its notoriously rigid corporate culture, a shocking 65 percent of employees have no emotional connection to the organization or feel no dedication to the work.

The solution, according to the Qualtrics study, is not a matter of introducing snazzy workplace perks or holding exciting team-building activities. Instead, it is a very simple but, for some, culturally difficult approach: Listen to your employees.

66 percent of employees believe it is very important for their employer to listen to their feedback. Employees who have the opportunity to provide that feedback are 17 percent more likely to be engaged. And if the company actually turns their feedback into action, effectively and with positive results, employees are 40 percent more likely to be engaged. 

Furthermore, in periods of great change, such as digital transformation and the shift to Industry 4.0, it becomes even more critical to listen to employees. The study found that if employees are asked for their feedback more frequently in times of change, they are more engaged. This benefits both company and employees alike, according to the study: it helps ensure that employees are prepared, understand the direction of the company and of the changes, and can actively participate. 

Besides feedback and action, the study also found that employee engagement is driven by factors such as their confidence in senior leadership, the availability of learning and development opportunities, a clear link between their work and the company’s strategic objectives, and having a manager who helps with their career development. Unsurprisingly, these factors also drive employee retention.