A study conducted over a period of three years by SHL (a psychometric testing company) has concluded that employee engagement is more important than job satisfaction. This indicates that employees want more out of a career than to just like their job. Ilke Inceoglu, one of the researchers involved in the study noted, "Job satisfaction has been superseded by engagement because that shows links to performance."

How are you managing the engagement of employees in your organization? I know of some leaders who think that due to the economy, no one is leaving even if they are unhappy. This simply is not true. Whereas times are tough and many companies have put a freeze on or limited hiring, good employees—A-players—will be able to find a job elsewhere no matter what the economy (it may just take a little longer).

Is your organization at risk of losing it's A-players? Are your employees engaged?
You may be asking yourself: What does that mean? How can I tell the level of engagement?

Below are some features of an organization with high employee engagement. Read through and ask yourself how well your company is performing.

• Employees understand the organization's goals and objectives.
• Employees understand how their work impacts the organization's ability to achieve results.
• Employees are committed to delivering consistently good experiences that drive a positive work culture and strong customer relationships.
• Employees take action to live the organization's brand every day by demonstrating on-brand behaviors and experiences.
• Employees communicate effectively and are receptive to others.
• Employees recognize each other for a job well done.
• Employees hold themselves and each other accountable for delivering the behaviors and experiences necessary for driving a great work culture and profitable results.

How engaged are your employees? Where does your organization struggle? Knowing the current reality regarding employee engagement in your organization is the first step to rectifying areas of weakness and building an engaged workforce.