Did you know that disengaged employees could be silently costing your company thousands—if not millions—of dollars every year? Identifying effective ways to motivate disengaged employees is now a critical priority for modern businesses. In fact, disengaged employees are costing US companies up to $550 billion annually.
But what does a disengaged employee actually look like in the workplace?
At best, they’re unenthusiastic and disengaged, doing the bare minimum to get by. At worst, they’re visibly negative and unmotivated, spreading toxic energy that can bring down team morale.
Disengaged employees often show low productivity and have higher rates of absenteeism. Even more concerning, their negative attitude can easily influence others, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and reduced team cohesion.
The latest Gallup research shows that only 34% of U.S. employees are actively engaged. While that’s an all-time high, up to 13% remain actively disengaged, and more than 50% fall into the “neutral” zone—neither engaged nor disengaged. This large group has the potential to swing either way.
So, how do you re-engage these employees before it’s too late?
Here are four practical, proven strategies you can implement right now to boost employee engagement and bring your workforce back to life.
1. Get Managers On Board
If you want to improve engagement and reconnect with disengaged employees, start by evaluating your internal communication strategy. The most impactful changes begin with your line managers. Research from Forbes shows that managers account for over 70% of the variance in employee engagement scores.
The employee-manager relationship is a key factor in day-to-day workplace satisfaction. To improve this, companies should invest in manager training and leadership development programs focused on relationship-building and performance coaching.
Great managers consistently demonstrate these core behaviors:
- Clear communication and openness
- Active listening and empathy
- Coaching and mentoring techniques
- Recognizing and celebrating achievements
- Encouraging growth and personal development
Remind your managers to check in regularly on these behaviors. For example, have they thanked an employee this week for a job well done? Have they taken time to really listen to staff concerns? Consider publishing a simple checklist or engagement guide on your company intranet to help managers stay consistent.
2. Review and Refresh Your Performance Management System
How you manage performance plays a huge role in keeping employees motivated. Ask yourself: Does your system emphasize control and compliance—or does it foster collaboration and accountability?
Disengaged employees respond far better to modern, agile approaches that allow for greater autonomy and ownership. A coaching-style management that encourages initiative is far more effective than top-down micromanagement.
One of the biggest drivers of disengagement is a lack of clarity around performance expectations. Employees must understand what’s expected of them and how their work contributes to the company’s overall mission.
Annual performance reviews and static job descriptions aren’t enough. What works is ongoing, informal feedback and open communication between managers and employees about performance, progress, and development goals.
To stay on track, create a living performance document for each employee. This document should outline:
- Key objectives, prioritized and clearly defined
- Expected outcomes and success metrics
- Agreed timelines for each task or goal
- How progress will be reviewed and measured
Keep this document updated and easily accessible on your company intranet. Use it during regular check-ins to guide the conversation and keep employees focused and motivated.
It’s a simple but powerful method to restore purpose and structure for disengaged team members.
3. Recognize And Reward Staff
One of the leading causes of employee disengagement is a sense of being undervalued. When staff feel their contributions go unnoticed—like staying late to meet a deadline or proposing cost-saving solutions that are ignored—it chips away at morale. Over time, this lack of appreciation can lead directly to employee turnover and active disengagement.
A simple “thank you” from a direct manager can go a long way in reinforcing employee value. Even better? A structured, organization-wide employee recognition program sends a strong and consistent message: “We see you. We value you.”
The good news is that it doesn’t need to be costly. A shoutout in the company newsletter, a spotlight post on the staff intranet, or a simple “Employee of the Month” board can be enough to make someone feel appreciated and seen.
Public recognition is one of the most effective and low-cost ways to improve morale. It not only motivates the individual but also encourages others to strive for excellence.
4. Provide Opportunities For Staff To Develop
Another common complaint from disengaged employees is a lack of career development opportunities. Without a clear growth path or access to training, employees often feel stuck—which quickly leads to frustration and apathy.
While today’s flatter organizational structures may offer fewer traditional promotions, companies can get creative. Offer employees opportunities to broaden their experience through:
- Cross-departmental projects
- Mentorship programs
- Short-term secondments or role swaps
Beyond career advancement, ongoing learning itself is a key motivator. Thanks to technology, there are now countless flexible, cost-effective ways for employees to upskill. Think beyond the classroom: offer access to online learning resources like podcasts, webinars, how-to videos, wikis, and interactive quizzes.
These digital resources allow staff to learn at their own pace—whether on their commute, during a quiet work hour, or even from home on the weekend. This supports both the employee’s desire for personal growth and the demand for flexible work-life integration.
Motivate Disengaged Employees: The Bottom Line
Anne Mulcahy, former CEO of Xerox, once said:
“Employees are a company’s greatest asset – they’re your competitive advantage. If you want to attract and retain the best, provide them with encouragement, stimulus, and make them feel that they are an integral part of the company’s mission.”
(Need more inspiration? Explore our favorite motivational business quotes.)
To truly motivate disengaged employees, you must commit to ongoing internal communication, encouragement, and feedback. This isn’t a one-time fix—it’s a continuous investment in your people.
Today’s cloud-based intranet software makes this easier than ever. From employee training tools to engagement surveys, forums, recognition platforms, and more, everything can be centralized and streamlined in one digital space.
Modern intranet solutions allow companies to bring their employee engagement efforts to life—creating a hub where employees feel informed, valued, and empowered to grow.
Ready to see it in action? Discover how a MyHub intranet can transform your workforce. Start your 14-day free trial today!
FAQ
What causes employee disengagement?
Poor communication, lack of recognition, and unclear performance expectations are among the top contributors.
How can I re-engage a disengaged employee?
Start with open conversations, provide growth opportunities, and recognize their efforts regularly.
Are there low-cost ways to improve employee motivation?
Absolutely—shoutouts, mentoring, flexible learning, and strong manager relationships can all make a huge impact without breaking the budget.
