As Fast Company reported in January, 2013--, “Disengaged workers cost the US economy $350 billion a year in lost productivity.”—that is why engagement matters!

But, in addition to the huge financial costs associated with disengaged workers, small and medium size business employers know that a worker’s commitment to the company is an indicator of how long the person plans to stay with that employer! As the economy improves, your employees may have more options available to them and the last thing you want is to have your most valued employees thinking about leaving you—you want them engaged in their work and your organization! Engagement and employee retention are linked!

In The Big Book of HR, we share some ideas of how to engage your employees.

· “Let employees know where the organization is headed and where they fit into the future plans.”  People want to know where they fit into your future plans and how they can make a contribution. Most employees really do want to add value to their organization.

· “Ensure pay and benefits are competitive and focused on what your workforce needs/wants at this time.”  Participate in salary and benefits surveys in your market to be sure you are paying fairly and that your benefits package is as good as it can be.