Attract & retain talent

From uncertainty to opportunity: Strengthening employee engagement during times of change 

  
  
Mercer’s employee engagement database shows that engagement is on the decline for many organizations, and this is not a surprise. It is challenging to maintain a consistently positive employee experience during periods of significant change, disruption, and uncertainty and many organizations are grappling with external challenges like economic volatility and geopolitical uncertainty as well as internal disruptors such as leadership changes, hybrid work/return to office mandates, and the rapid introduction of artificial intelligence.

How organizations can thrive during change

Given the dynamics mentioned above, organizations want to understand how they can continue to drive a positive employee experience – and some are effectively doing so despite all the change and uncertainty. While each organization’s story is unique, common themes emerge among those that have successfully maintained engagement or bounced back from declines in engagement:
  • Leadership resilience:
    Effective leaders are not deterred by a decline in engagement and remain focused on doing their part to enhance the employee experience, addressing challenges that are within their control.
  • Clarity and direction:
    Establishing a clear company vision with consistent messaging and direction are essential in times of change. Leaders must be resolute in their principles while being agile in their approaches, aligning with strategic objectives even in the face of resistance. A steady hand at the wheel is crucial during uncertain times, as employees look to senior leadership for guidance and reassurance.
  • Transparent communication:
    Regular and relevant communication is vital. It demonstrates care and respect for employees, increases understanding of key issues, and informs people what the changes mean for them. Transparency about what is being done to address concerns ensures employees feel involved in the change process. Ensuring the right communication timing, frequency, and channels is also important.
  • Data-driven focus:
    Leaders prioritize what they can control, utilizing employee survey data to identify areas for action that are within their grasp. They continue to seek feedback, recognizing that gathering data—even if it reveals challenges—is essential for continued improvement.

How employees can thrive during change

Focusing on the employee experience is not merely a response to change but a proactive strategy that enhances talent attraction, retention, and overall organizational performance. There are four common aspects of the employee experience that typically require attention during times of change and uncertainty:
  1. Empowerment
    Times of change and uncertainty can result in employees feeling a loss of control and influence. Empowering employees to participate in decisions that affect their work encourages connection, ownership, and accountability. Organizations can foster this sense of empowerment by creating opportunities for input through focus groups or surveys and delegating authority for specific projects.
  2. Excitement
    During times of change it is normal for an employee to question their future in the organization, and there is a risk of losing key talent. Leaders need to collaborate with employees to help them feel confident in their career and development potential through initiatives like personalized career/development plans and mentorship.
  3. Enablement
    Providing necessary training, development opportunities, and resources are key elements of the employee experience. New barriers to productivity can emerge because of change requiring organizations to assess and address resource, skill or technology gaps to ensure employees can work effectively.
  4. Encouragement 
    Strong personal connections between employees and leaders are always important but this need is heightened during times of change and uncertainty. Leaders need to be visible and encourage two-way dialog so they can listen, understand, and address employee concerns in a timely way.

In a landscape marked by economic volatility, geopolitical instability and the uncertainties introduced by tariffs, organizations must prioritize the employee experience as a critical component of their success. By focusing on leadership resilience, creating certainty, maintaining transparent communication, and leveraging data-driven insights, organizations can navigate these turbulent times more effectively.

Moreover, addressing key aspects of the employee experience—empowerment, excitement, enablement, and encouragement—will foster a more engaged workforce. By engaging their employees and cultivating a supportive culture, organizations can emerge stronger and more resilient, ready to successfully face future challenges with confidence.

For more information about how to improve the employee experience during times of uncertainty, or to learn more about Mercer’s broad capabilities: Click here to contact Mercer

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With communication and change management experts in six Canadian cities, Mercer Canada has extensive experience guiding clients through uncertainty and is uniquely equipped to help you address employee anxieties and stay ahead of evolving economic and political changes.