Skip navigation

Understanding employee engagement + performance

Understanding the relationship between engagement and performance can guide People leaders in developing effective strategies to boost both.

A group of three young professionals are working together in a coffee shop and laughing.A group of three young professionals are working together in a coffee shop and laughing.

Table of contents

Insights from Ellen Raim, Founder of People MatterWe focus more on solving than preventing People problems.

Employee engagement is pivotal to any organization's success because engaged employees exhibit:

  1. Higher productivity
  2. Better customer service
  3. Enhanced creativity and innovation

Engaged employees also contribute significantly to a positive workplace culture

Understanding the relationship between engagement and performance can guide People leaders in developing effective strategies to boost both.

Key drivers of employee engagement

Employee engagement thrives in a supportive work environment, where recognition, professional development opportunities and a collaborative culture are prioritized. By acknowledging employees' efforts, providing avenues for growth and nurturing an inclusive atmosphere, organizations can effectively motivate and engage their workforce.

The role of leadership in fostering employee engagement

Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping the work environment.

Transparent communication, empathetic leadership and consistent feedback can significantly improve employee engagement. People leaders must embody these qualities to create an atmosphere where employees feel valued and heard.

Linking employee engagement to performance

There's a strong connection between an engaged workforce and high performance. Engaged employees are more likely to be invested in their work, leading to higher productivity and better outcomes. Leaders need to understand and leverage this link to enhance organizational performance.

Strategies to enhance performance through employee engagement

Developing strategies that simultaneously boost engagement and performance can be challenging but rewarding. Initiatives like performance-based rewards, constructive performance evaluations and regular check-ins can help align employee efforts with organizational goals.

5 practical steps for leaders to boost employee engagement + performance:

Implementing practical steps is essential for turning the theory of engagement and performance into reality. People leaders should encourage:

  1. Open communication channels
  2. Continuous learning
  3. Clear and achievable goals
  4. Regular, constructive feedback
  5. Recognition and rewards for high performance

Measuring employee engagement and performance

Regularly measuring engagement and performance is critical to understanding their dynamics and making informed decisions. Utilizing employee surveys, performance metrics and regular reviews can provide valuable insights into how well your strategies work.

Employee engagement engagement is the path to a high-performing workforce.

By understanding and enhancing the relationship between employee engagement and performance, People leaders can pave the way for a more productive, motivated and successful workforce. An engaged workforce benefits the organization in terms of outcomes and contributes to a healthier, more fulfilling work environment for employees.

Learn live. Adapt faster.

Latest resources

Learn more about creating a culture of learning throughout our resources below.

Why smart L&D teams are shifting budgets away from pre-recorded courses
Electives team
 
Jan 21, 2026

Why smart L&D teams are shifting budgets away from pre-recorded courses

Skills are changing faster than courses can keep up. Here's why L&D teams are shifting from buying content libraries to building real capabilities in 2026.
Learning best practices
What makes manager training different from leadership training
Electives team
 
Jan 20, 2026

What makes manager training different from leadership training

Manager training and leadership training aren't the same thing. Learn the key differences, what each role needs to learn and how to build development programs that actually work.
Leadership + management
5 ideas to celebrate Gender Equality Month at work
Electives team
 
Jan 15, 2026

5 ideas to celebrate Gender Equality Month at work

Gender Equality Month in March is an opportunity to celebrate women's social, political, cultural and academic achievements throughout the world.
Culture + collaboration
Turning training skeptics into learning champions
Electives team
 
Jan 14, 2026

Turning training skeptics into learning champions

Some employees resist every training initiative. Learn how to turn skeptics into champions by addressing their real concerns, proving value quickly and building genuine buy-in.
Culture + collaboration
Training managers to be direct without being harsh
Electives team
 
Jan 13, 2026

Training managers to be direct without being harsh

Train your managers to deliver clear, direct feedback that drives improvement without damaging relationships or crushing confidence.
Communication skills
How to help employees take ownership of their career growth
Electives team
 
Jan 8, 2026

How to help employees take ownership of their career growth

Learn how to help employees take ownership of their growth with practical frameworks, reflection tools and self-directed development strategies.
Individual contributors

View all posts

ENJOYABLE. EASY. EFFECTIVE.

Learning that works.

With live learning + AI simulations, Electives is a learning platform that makes it easy to design, execute and measure effectiveness.

Request a demo

Request a demo

Learn more

Learn more