New Research Highlights Disconnect Between Leaders' Views and Employee Engagement Levels

New Global Research Reveals Engagement Disconnect

In a recently published study by Right Management, a leading global talent and career management firm and part of the ManpowerGroup family, critical insights into the state of employee engagement have come to light. Titled "The Career Equation What Attracts Talent Isn't What Keeps Them", the report builds on previous findings to explore the misalignment between how leaders perceive engagement and the reality experienced by employees.

Key Findings of the Study

The research surveyed 1,029 leaders and 2,402 employees across various geographical regions, including North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Here are some crucial findings from the report:

The Engagement Illusion

It appears that many leaders are operating under a false sense of security regarding their teams' engagement levels. A staggering 53% of global leaders believe that their employees are fully engaged. However, only 37% of employees reported feeling the same way, with 41% openly admitting to being disengaged from their work. This disconnection reveals a concerning trend that threatens organizational culture and productivity.

Regional Discrepancies

Latin America exhibited the most dramatic divergence, with 63% of leaders believing in full engagement while only 41% of employees felt similarly. In contrast, Europe and Asia-Pacific showed critically low engagement rates—only 32% of European employees and 33% of those in Asia-Pacific reported being fully engaged.

Misalignment on Engagement Drivers

The report highlights a significant mismatch in beliefs about what drives employee engagement. While leaders tend to focus on pay, perks, and prestige as main attraction factors, employees prioritize cultural fit and career development. Only 24% of leaders recognized cultural fit as important, and even fewer (19%) considered career development a vital factor for engagement.

The Attraction versus Retention Paradox

One of the most poignant takeaways from the research is that what draws employees to a company does not necessarily guarantee their long-term retention. Factors like purpose, personal growth, and a strong cultural alignment are crucial for sustaining engagement over time.

Expert Commentary

Caroline Pfeiffer Marinho, the Global Business Leader at Right Management, underscores the urgency of these findings. She states, “Too many organizations are investing in attraction strategies while overlooking what truly drives people to stay. If leaders don't prioritize cultural fit, career development, and purpose, they risk losing their top talent— and, with it, their competitive edge.”

Barbera de Graaf, Senior Vice President of Right Management for Europe, adds a dire warning regarding Europe's engagement levels, indicating that the continent is facing a human capital crisis. She emphasizes that investing in employees' skills, careers, and well-being is not merely a morale booster, but a necessity for productivity and long-term success.

Looking Ahead

This report serves as a catalyst for deeper conversations about employee engagement and retention strategies. The upcoming second installment in The State of Careers series promises to deliver more insights and actionable strategies aimed at helping organizations navigate this critical issue.

For more detailed information and strategies to bridge the engagement gap, organizations are encouraged to visit Right Management's official site. The findings from this study are not just crucial for business leaders but serve as an essential resource for understanding employee dynamics in today's workforce landscape.

About ManpowerGroup

ManpowerGroup (NYSE: MAN) is a global leader in workforce solutions, assisting organizations in adapting to the ever-evolving labor market by sourcing, developing, and managing talent across numerous sectors. With over 75 years of experience, ManpowerGroup aims to provide significant value to both candidates and clients. The firm was recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the 16th time, emphasizing its commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. For more information, visit ManpowerGroup's website.