Employee Engagement Tops HR Priorities for 2025, Study Finds

A recent study conducted by Workbuzz and HR.com's HR Research Institute has identified improving employee engagement and experience as the top priority for HR professionals heading into 2025. The research highlights a strong correlation between frequent employee surveys and organizational success in key areas such as retention, talent attraction, productivity, and diversity initiatives.

According to the study, companies that conduct employee surveys at least quarterly report significantly better outcomes compared to those surveying less frequently. For instance, 53% of organizations with frequent surveys saw improvements in retention, compared to only 21% of those surveying less often. Similar trends were observed in talent attraction (58% vs. 27%), productivity and performance (62% vs. 30%), and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (64% vs. 43%).

The findings underscore the importance of regular communication, particularly with frontline workers who are often harder to reach. Organizations reporting improved employee experience and engagement levels were more likely to find it easy to communicate with frontline workers (70% vs. 20%).

Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com, emphasized the critical role of employee engagement and communication in organizational success. "Organizations that prioritize them not only tend to retain their top talent better but also tend to see measurable improvements in productivity and overall performance," McGrath stated.

Ryan Tahmassebi, People Science Director at WorkBuzz, added that annual surveys are insufficient in today's fast-paced work environment. He stressed the need for real-time feedback loops and open communication channels to better respond to employee needs and drive engagement.

This research has significant implications for businesses across industries. As companies navigate the complexities of the modern workforce, the focus on employee engagement and frequent, effective communication could be key to addressing other critical HR priorities such as boosting productivity, attracting top talent, fostering a positive organizational culture, and promoting employee well-being.

The study's findings suggest that organizations may need to reassess their communication strategies and survey practices to remain competitive in the talent market and drive overall business success. By prioritizing employee engagement and adopting more frequent feedback mechanisms, companies may be better positioned to adapt to the evolving needs of their workforce and achieve improved outcomes across various HR metrics.