Engage Your Team

Build a culture of employee engagement

You’ve likely heard the phrase, “Employees don’t leave jobs; they leave managers.” As a leader, you have a powerful influence on your team’s engagement, happiness, and productivity. Building a positive workplace culture means creating an environment where your employees genuinely want to contribute, grow, and thrive.

According to research by Gallup, managers account for up to 70% of the variance in employee engagement levels. Your role is pivotal in shaping how connected and enthusiastic your team feels about their work.

Why employee engagement matters

The “My Voice at IU” initiative underscores our ongoing commitment to understanding and enhancing employee engagement. We aim to ensure that IU consistently values, supports, and develops its staff.

IU collaborates with Gallup, a global analytics leader with over 50 years of expertise in employee engagement research, to conduct the My Voice at IU survey. This collaboration provides critical insights and actionable data, empowering you to drive meaningful change and growth on your teams.

The resources below offer practical leadership strategies that can significantly boost employee engagement. By deepening your understanding and adopting effective practices, you’ll cultivate a vibrant work environment where your employees feel valued, motivated, and ready to excel.

Related LinkedIn Learning content

A Strengths-Based Approach to Managing Your Team (1:29)

Educational resources and practical tools

Gallup overview: what Is employee engagement and how do you improve it

Understand the basics of employee engagement and your role as a manager.

Manager resource guide: the questions explained

Learn practical ways to improve engagement for your team by focusing on each of Gallup’s Q12 items.

My voice at IU

Stay informed and up to date on engagement happenings at IU.

Q12 question guides

Use these questions guides to discover what your employees like, want, and need.

Leadership essentials: people management training

Managers of staff are required to complete this training to clarify people management responsibilities at Indiana University.

Communicate richly

Transform your leadership style with the Four Simple Actions Framework. This approachable method can help you engage employees through regular, meaningful dialogue.

Use it to:

  • Boost your team’s performance through clear, ongoing communication
  • Enhance employee motivation and foster deeper connections
  • Initiate thoughtful, productive conversations with ease and confidence
  • Make every interaction count, strengthening both your team and your leadership capabilities

Support your employees

Champion work + life harmony

Support your employees as they manage work and life integration. Care about them as whole people. Model prioritizing well-being and asking for support.

Talk about employee wellbeing and workplace mental health

As a leader, it’s important to maintain the safety and productivity of your workplace. If you suspect a mental health concern is impairing job performance, there are resources to help.

Utilize IU’s Employee Assistance Program

SupportLinc EAP provides employees and household members with free, 24/7 access to professional counseling and referrals.