Study: 35 percent of employees worldwide highly engaged

Communicators, listen up: A lack of employee engagement could cut into your company’s profits.

A new global survey shows that most workers are not fully engaged and are struggling to cope with a difficult workplace—a problem that could damage the bottom line.

The study of 32,000 employees worldwide by professional services company Towers Watson defines basic engagement as employees’ willingness to expend extra effort on their job.

Engagement also requires offering the tools, resources and support for staffers to do their job effectively, and having an environment that energetically supports their well-being.

“There’s a world of opportunity for improved effectiveness in communication,” says Laura Sejen, rewards global practice leader at Towers Watson.

Only 35 percent workers are highly engaged, while 22 percent are classified as unsupported, unable or lacking the energy required for sustainable engagement, the study indicates. Seventeen percent are detached, or unwilling to go the extra mile. Some 26 percent are completely disengaged.

The report surveyed hourly, professional and managerial workers in 28 countries, including Mainland China and Hong Kong, Sejen says.