Study Reveals Modest Gains in Employee Engagement, Highlights Need for Strategic Changes

A recent study conducted by HR.com's Research Institute, titled 'State of Employee Productivity and Engagement 2025', has shed light on the current state of employee engagement within organizations. The findings indicate a modest improvement in engagement levels, with figures rising from 23% in 2022 to 30% in 2025. Despite this progress, the study reveals that over 40% of HR professionals still consider the average employee to be poorly engaged, pointing to a pressing need for more profound organizational changes.

The research identifies three critical drivers of employee engagement: culture, leadership, and the intelligent use of technology. However, there appears to be a significant gap between recognizing these drivers and implementing effective strategies to leverage them. For example, only 45% of organizations are actively working to improve their culture, and a mere 14% provide training for managers on how to engage their teams effectively. On the other hand, organizations where managers prioritize engagement report markedly better outcomes, with over 70% noting that their managers regularly provide feedback, build trust, and act on employee input.

Emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence (AI), are highlighted as potential game-changers in enhancing both engagement and productivity. Despite only 36% of organizations currently utilizing AI for productivity-related tasks, the technology is viewed as a means to reduce administrative burdens, thereby freeing up more time for meaningful interactions between employees and their managers.

Debbie McGrath, Chief Instigator at HR.com, underscores the importance of viewing engagement not as a one-time metric but as an ongoing strategy that necessitates investment in leadership, culture, and smarter tools. The study ultimately serves as a call to action for organizations to transcend superficial initiatives and tackle the foundational elements that drive employee engagement.