4 refreshingly simple ways to engage employees

Uninspired, lethargic, even disgruntled.

Do those terms describe your workforce? If so, you’re not alone.

Gallup’s latest “State of the Global Workplace” report says a staggering 85 percent of employees are not engaged at work.

Here are four ideas to help reverse that trend and create a more positive culture at your organization:

1. Survey staff for solutions. “Companies with engaged employees usually have policies in place that promote work-life balance, career development, inclusion and alignment to their greater purpose,” says Emmy Negrin, head of people development at OpenTable.

She recommends identifying your company’s outdated policies on issues such as flexible time off, paid family leave, paid time off to volunteer, or opportunities for professional development.

“A great way to do this is to create a survey where you ask your employees what they would like to see improved in their culture. This puts the employee voice front and center,” Negrin says. “Then include them in the solution by creating employee task forces to identify new programs and initiatives.”