U.S. Engagement Score Spikes and Falls: Just Like COVID

Thank you, Gallup, for keeping your finger on the pulse of America’s employee engagement score, because lately, that has been no easy task.  Although the score remained relatively steady for decades, engagement has fluctuated more than ever in 2020.  However, no one should be surprised, as mass change will do that.

According to Gallup, in early May employee engagement reached a new all-time high of 38%.  Following the late-May protests and riots, the percentage of engaged employees dropped in June to 31%.  In July, we reached a new high of 40%.

Most recently, the percentage of engaged employees (defined as people who are highly involved in, enthusiastic about and committed to their work and workplace) has dropped back to 36%.  Workers who are not engaged – close to two-thirds of Americans – are psychologically unattached to their work and company.

In the most recent survey, the drop was greatest for managers, which is alarming, since managers set the tone for the engagement of the employees who report to them.  Managers reported higher levels of stress and burnout than the people they manage, so it’s critical that leaders ensure supervisors feel supported, and have the tools and resources they need to lead effectively.

JILL, WHAT CAN I DO?  CareerBuilder.com reports that a whopping 58% of managers have never received management training.  You can’t expect someone to lead effectively if they’ve never been taught how, so I’ve developed a solution.  This Manager Town Hall Meeting/Book Club combo will signal to your managers that you get it.  You care about their well-being and are providing them with simple resources to make managing people easier.  I have your back.