Prevent staff turnover: The Gallup Engagement Index 2023

Prevent staff turnover: The Gallup Engagement Index, which has been compiled annually since 2001, measures the emotional attachment of employees to their employers and thus provides information about staff turnover in companies. The latest results show a continuation of the worrying trends on the German labour market. In this article, we take a look at the most important results and what companies can do to increase employee loyalty.

Prevent staff turnover: Emotional loyalty

The emotional bond between employees and employers is a decisive factor that influences both satisfaction and the willingness to change jobs and thus staff turnover. The latest results show that the number of those who are not emotionally attached to their employers has risen further compared to the previous year’s results (2022: 18%) and, at 19%, has reached its highest level since 2012.

Staff turnover due to low emotional commitment

A major problem with the low emotional connection between employees and employers is that workers are more likely to switch jobs. In 2018, 78% of employees said they would definitely still be with their company in a year. Now, that number has dropped to 53%.

The loss in productivity from employees leaving is expected to cost between 132.6 and 167.2 billion euros by 2023. So, it’s important to focus on keeping employees.

In contrast, 60% of employees who feel strongly connected to their company plan to stay with their employer for the next three years. They also take almost half as many sick days as those who don’t feel as connected (4.8 days vs. 9.1 days).

Leadership culture is crucial

The emotional bond between employees and employers is a complex phenomenon that is influenced by a variety of factors. The management culture within a company continues to play a central role, with only 22 per cent stating that they are satisfied with their direct superior.

Tips: Prevent staff turnover - strengthen emotional loyalty

An open communication culture with recurring feedback meetings and further training opportunities for managers
Recognition and appreciation of the work performed
Involving employees in internal company decision-making processes
Flexible working hours, joint activities and health-promoting measures contribute to greater employee satisfaction and identification with the company.

Would you like to find out more about health-promoting measures?

Zusammenfassung

In the workplace, how employees feel about their bosses and jobs is really important. It affects how productive they are, how often they call in sick, how much they identify with the company, and how likely they are to leave their job. More employees in Germany are feeling disconnected and are willing to switch jobs quickly. So, companies need a strategy to boost their employees’ emotional attachment. This strategy should include better management practices, improved working conditions, and better communication between managers and staff. If done right, this can lower staff turnover, increase job satisfaction, and help the company be more successful and efficient.

Click here for the full report from 2023.