Employee engagement and employee satisfaction both provide valuable insights into the workplace, but it’s important to know that they measure different things.
Engagement is all about how connected and involved an employee feels in their job. It depends on various factors, including effective leadership, a supportive organizational culture, meaningful work, regular feedback and recognition, opportunities for professional growth, and an inclusive work environment. One-third of U.S. employees feel engaged, according to a 2023 Gallup survey.
Employee satisfaction, also called job satisfaction, is mostly about how much an employee enjoys— or at least is content with — their role. Key elements affecting job satisfaction include compensation, benefits, and work-life balance. A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that about half of U.S. workers are highly satisfied with their jobs overall.
Ideally, employers would like to see high rates of both engagement and satisfaction to promote employee retention and productivity. But consider that while satisfaction itself can keep someone in a job for years, it does not mean they will reach their full potential or contribute significantly to a business’ growth. And while satisfied employees tend to be more engaged, engagement serves as a stronger indicator of true job satisfaction.
Simply put, satisfied employees may enjoy their work environment, but engaged employees find genuine fulfillment in the work they do. Engaged employees demonstrate a commitment that transcends financial incentives or promotions; they are genuinely invested in the organization's success.
As previous Employers Council articles have discussed, building trust, creating an inclusive work environment, and showing appreciation are among the ways employers can foster a more engaged workforce. It’s vital for organizational leaders, including managers and HR professionals, to promote employee engagement as a core organizational value. In high-performing organizations, employee engagement is a fundamental aspect of the culture that influences overall operations.
Organizations can measure their current level of employee engagement and satisfaction by gathering feedback and insight from their employees. Employers Council offers customized employee opinion surveys to assist with this.
Ruth Rusongoza is a human resources consultant for Employers Council.