63 employee engagement ideas to boost morale and retention

Employee engagement is crucial to business success. According to Gallup, businesses with higher employee engagement levels typically see an 18 percent increase in productivity and a 24 percent increase in profitability, improving overall business performance. Prioritizing employee engagement can boost enthusiasm and loyalty across your teams, and investing in the employee experience (EX) can be the difference between a thriving organization and a struggling one.

Whether you run a startup or are part of a global enterprise, plenty of employee engagement ideas can boost morale and help retain top talent. From better employee service to flexible workplaces, here are 63 ideas to boost employee engagement at your organization.

More in this guide:

• What is employee engagement?
• Why is employee engagement important?
• Employee engagement best practices
• 63 best employee engagement ideas and activities
• Frequently asked questions
• Consciously invest in employee engagement

Why is employee engagement important?

Focusing on employee engagement isn’t just about creating a positive workplace—it’s a strategic move that directly impacts performance, retention, and profitability. According to a study conducted by Gallup, engaged employees see an 18 percent increase in productivity—and with enhanced productivity comes better business performance.

Making engagement a priority throughout the employee experience journey improves:

• Retention: Engagement fosters a positive work environment, leading to higher job satisfaction and reduced employee turnover.
• Productivity: Engaged employees are more motivated and focused, increasing team productivity.
• Work quality: Typically, employees engaged in their workplace take more pride in their work, meaning they are likely to produce higher-quality results.
• Cost savings: Reduced turnover lowers training costs and engaged employees are more likely to consistently show up to work.
• Hiring: A company with a positive engagement reputation often attracts top talent and encourages employee referrals.
• Relations: Positive EX can lead to a better company reputation and enhanced employee satisfaction.

In essence, managing the employee experience and prioritizing employee engagement creates a positive holistic experience while reducing costs and enhancing reputations.

Employee engagement best practices

Implementing employee engagement strategies begins with fostering a supportive environment where employees feel valued. This includes providing effective internal customer service options to ensure they have access to the support they need. Below, we list a few foundational best practices to foster this type of environment:

• Prioritize open communication with a feedback loop. Consider communication styles and foster a flexible two-way system where employees feel comfortable sharing feedback and ideas.
• Give praise and encouragement. Recognize achievements—big and small—to build employee confidence.
• Support an open-minded company culture. Create a safe environment where people can share new ideas and respectfully disagree.
• Measure employee satisfaction. Conduct employee satisfaction surveys and adjust strategies based on input and insights.
• Establish mentorship opportunities. Connect experienced employees with newcomers to foster growth and employee development.
• Continuously track and analyze employee engagement metrics. Use pulse surveys and other metrics to regularly measure employee engagement.

Following these best practices while implementing employee engagement strategies will help you set the stage for success.

63 best employee engagement ideas and activities

Engagement is essential to a positive EX, whether you’re a small- to medium-sized business or an enterprise. Here’s a list of 63 employee engagement ideas to help enhance morale and retention.

1. Provide great employee service

According to our Zendesk Employee Experience Trends Report 2024, 83 percent of IT and HR leaders agree that employee experience is a top priority, and one of the most effective ways to improve EX and engage employees is by offering excellent internal service. Ensure your human resource management, IT, and finance teams are readily available to support employees by:

• Offering omnichannel support to meet employees where they are the most

• Leveraging agent copilot and real-time insights to assist internal service teams with providing fast and personalized support

• Using AI-powered quality assurance (QA) tools to monitor service quality and find ways to improve it

Consider also investing in employee self-service by maintaining an organized and updated knowledge base. By streamlining service management for employees, you build trust and show that you value their experience within your company.

2. Foster company transparency

Transparency builds trust. Regularly share company updates about goal progress and behind-the-scenes insights, and involve employees in important conversations. Weekly email updates or company-wide town halls give employees insight into performance, future goals, and challenges. This level of transparency makes employees feel more invested in the organization’s success.

3. Hold regular all-company meetings

Consistent all-company, or all-hands, meetings help align everyone with the company’s mission, goals, and progress. These meetings allow leadership to address the entire team directly, celebrate wins, and troubleshoot challenges. Plus, they allow employees to raise questions and feel included in the decision-making process.

4. Gather employee feedback

To understand employee needs and concerns, you need to get feedback directly from the source. Consider using anonymous feedback channels like:

• Surveys

• Customer sentiment analysis

• Suggestion boxes

• Open forums

Periodically adjust employee engagement survey questions to collect new information, regularly gather feedback, and compare insights and input. Don’t forget to act on this data to show employees that their opinions matter, which can enhance their connection to your company.

5. Host Q&A forums

Give employees a platform to ask leaders direct questions through virtual or in-person Q&A sessions. Schedule sessions that allow for honest dialogue and clarify important topics in a safe and open environment. This format also encourages transparency and helps address employee concerns in real time.

6. Support career development

Support career growth by providing clear pathways for internal advancement through promotions and lateral moves. Encourage employees to explore different parts of the business, and work with your teams to create personalized employee development plans. This shows your commitment to their long-term success.

7. Host professional development workshops

Invest in on-site workshops led by internal or external experts to improve soft and hard skills. Don’t make these a one-time thing, either—continue to offer unique development workshops based on industry trends. These sessions provide valuable learning opportunities, and employees who feel they are growing professionally tend to stay engaged and loyal.

8. Set aside time for external conferences and seminars

Allow employees to attend industry-related in-person, remote, and hybrid conferences and seminars. You can support your employees by providing financial assistance or paid time off (PTO) for these events. Investing in this type of professional growth can enhance loyalty—plus, your business can reap the rewards of more informed, educated employees.

9. Provide access to online training platforms

Empower your employees to invest in their education by providing access to self-paced online training platforms—including customer service training and call center training platforms for customer service teams—to learn at their convenience. These resources can help them acquire new skills, benefiting their personal development and the company’s overall performance.

10. Be mindful of compensation

Offering competitive salaries is a must for employee retention. Periodically review industry standards to ensure your compensation packages remain competitive and reflect the effort and contributions of your team. Plus, staying mindful of your compensation shows your teams you appreciate their dedication, which can encourage them (and others) to remain loyal to your business.

11. Provide valuable benefits

Offer employee benefits that go beyond the basics. Consider enhancing employee experiences by offering valuable benefits like:

• Comprehensive health insurance

• Paid parental leave

• Retirement plans

• Spending accounts

• Flexible work hours

• Mental health resources

These types of benefits support employee work-life balance and wellness, which can encourage professional growth and engagement.

12. Don’t forget employee perks

Employee perks differ from employee benefits and should positively contribute to a workforce’s health. Consider offering unique perks like:

• Fitness subsidies

• Gym memberships

• Wellness programs

• Employee discount programs

• Workout clothing reimbursements

• Subscription services

These additional perks show that you care about your workers’ health and wellness both in and out of the workplace.

13. Prioritize a family-friendly work environment

Show your employees they are more than a means to an end by creating a family-friendly work environment to support their family commitments. Offer generous childcare benefits and assistance, family leave policies, parental support programs, and flexible work arrangements like adjusted schedules to pick up kids or handle sick days. When employees know you can meet their family needs, they can focus more on their work without added stress.

14. Consider unlimited PTO

Unlimited PTO can be a game-changer when it comes to employee engagement. By offering this employee leave benefit, companies signal trust in their employees to manage their time effectively. With unlimited paid time off, employees can take the time they need to recharge, travel, or address personal matters, leading to a healthier work-life balance, higher retention rates, and more motivated, rested teams.

15. Support employee assistance programs

Employee assistance programs (EAPs) offer confidential resources for employees facing personal or work-related challenges. These programs can include counseling services, legal advice, and mental health support. By offering EAPs, companies provide a critical safety net for employees navigating stressful situations, ensuring they can access professional help when needed. This support can boost morale, reduce absenteeism, and foster a healthier, more engaged workforce.

16. Offer education and tuition assistance

Investing in employee education through tuition assistance or education reimbursement programs enhances their personal growth and professional development. Whether it’s funding for formal degrees or certifications, this employee engagement idea demonstrates your company’s commitment to long-term success. This also allows employees to acquire new skills that directly benefit the organization, making them feel more engaged and loyal.

17. Create sabbatical programs

Consider offering sabbatical programs that allow workers to take extended employee leave to pursue personal goals, travel, or work on passion projects. This rewards employee loyalty and allows workers to recharge without losing their position. When employees return, they may feel rejuvenated and bring fresh perspectives to their roles, which can improve overall engagement, retention, and business outcomes.

18. Offer spot bonuses or surprises

Surprise employees with unexpected bonuses or gifts for exceeding expectations or simply going the extra mile. This small (but impactful) gesture can boost morale and motivation. Spot bonuses can be monetary or non-monetary, such as a paid day off or a special gift, and show that you value your employees’ efforts and are excited to recognize their contributions.

19. Launch DEIB initiatives

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives are essential to creating a welcoming and supportive workplace. Establishing DEIB programs helps ensure that all employees feel valued and respected, regardless of their background. These initiatives can include:

• Diversity training

• Inclusive hiring practices

• Resource groups for underrepresented employees

• Pay equity

• Diverse organizational goals

Also, consider creating more inclusive surveys for data collection and building diverse teams. By fostering a diverse and inclusive culture, companies enhance collaboration, innovation, and overall employee engagement.

20. Prioritize health and wellness

A company’s commitment to employee health and wellness should extend beyond offering healthcare benefits. Support physical and mental health by providing wellness programs, mental health resources, and health initiatives like meditation sessions, stress management workshops, and access to mental health professionals. Companies that demonstrate holistic care by prioritizing employee well-being create a healthier, more engaged workforce.

21. Host regular wellness retreats

Wellness retreats allow employees to take a break from the daily grind and focus on their overall well-being. Whether it’s a local retreat or an out-of-town getaway, these events can include yoga sessions, nature workshops, mindfulness or meditation options, and team-building activities. These retreats can help employees recharge, build camaraderie, and return to work feeling refreshed and more engaged.

22. Set up company wellness challenges

Wellness challenges, such as step contests or fitness goals, encourage employees to stay active and healthy while building team spirit. These challenges provide a sense of friendly competition and can be done individually or in teams. Wellness challenges contribute to employees’ physical and mental well-being, boosting morale and engagement.

23. Hold on-site fitness classes

Offering on-site fitness classes, such as yoga, Zumba, or strength training, encourages employees to prioritize their physical health. You can hold these classes during lunch breaks or after work, allowing employees to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines. Exercise is also proven to boost mood and energy levels, encourage healthy habits, and improve team building.

24. Provide healthy office snacks and drinks

Show your employees you care about their well-being by regularly providing healthy snacks and drinks in the office. Keeping the office stocked with nutritious options, like fruits, nuts, and water, promotes healthier habits and energizes employees throughout the day. Plus, employees who feel physically well are more likely to stay engaged and focused.

25. Enhance employee onboarding processes

An effective employee onboarding process sets the stage for a new hire’s success. To enhance these processes, consider:

• Using onboarding software to automate information collection and organization
• Creating personalized onboarding tracks and training for new employees
• Asking new hires for feedback to identify areas for improvement
• Incorporating company culture and values into the process
• Building and using templates and plans to scale processes for multiple teams
• Prioritizing mentorship programs to help current employees collaborate with new hires

A successful onboarding process introduces employees to their company culture, roles, and expectations and shapes them into valuable team members in the long term.

26. Establish a new-hire mentor system

Pairing new employees with experienced mentors can ease their transition into your workforce. Mentorships provide a support system for new hires, helping them navigate their roles and build connections within the organization. This system can also foster professional growth and contribute to a sense of belonging, which are key components of employee engagement.

27. Create cross-team mentor programs

Similar to new-hire mentor systems, cross-team mentorship programs foster collaboration and knowledge sharing while encouraging employees to learn from colleagues in other departments. These programs also promote professional development, allowing employees to gain a broader company perspective. This type of engagement enhances interdepartmental relationships and helps employees feel more connected to the organization as a whole.

28. Set up exit interviews during employee offboarding

Exit interviews provide valuable insights into why employees leave and what improvements you can make to enhance the work environment. These interviews should be part of a structured employee offboarding process that gathers honest feedback. Analyzing this information helps companies identify trends, address issues, and improve retention by making necessary culture and environment changes based on employee feedback.

29. Make employee recognition a priority

Employee recognition should be a regular part of your company culture. Publicly celebrate achievements and accomplishments through company-wide announcements, team meetings, newsletters, or other outlets. Top-down recognition from leadership can be especially powerful, making employees feel valued and motivated to continue their hard work.

30. Build peer recognition programs

Peer recognition programs allow employees to acknowledge each other’s contributions, building a supportive and collaborative work environment. These programs can be:

• Shout-outs in meetings

• Recognition boards

• Peer-nominated awards

• Digital platforms where employees can give kudos to colleagues

By prioritizing a sense of community, you can encourage active participation and recognition from your employees (no matter how long they’ve worked at your company).

31. Hand out personalized thank-you notes

Sometimes, a simple handwritten thank-you note with personalization can greatly impact company culture and employee engagement. Personalized notes from managers or peers acknowledging an employee’s hard work show thoughtfulness and genuine appreciation. These small gestures can go a long way in making employees feel recognized and valued, leading to increased engagement.

32. Offer remote or hybrid working options

Embrace the future of work by offering employees the flexibility to work remotely or in a hybrid model. Eighty-four percent of the HR and IT leaders who responded to our Zendesk EX Trends Report 2024 agree that the ability to customize work locations is crucial to enhancing productivity and work-life balance, boosting employee engagement.

By allowing employees to work from wherever they feel most productive, businesses can accommodate different working styles and life situations, leading to increased satisfaction. Remote work options can also help reduce burnout and retain top talent.

33. Prioritize autonomy

Trust your employees to manage their workload and deadlines and offer them workplace autonomy. Give them the freedom to make decisions and take ownership of their projects to foster responsibility, engagement, and innovation.

When companies trust their employees, their workers feel more empowered and motivated to explore new ideas without constant oversight. By prioritizing autonomy, companies can create a culture of trust and accountability, leading to higher productivity and job satisfaction.

34. Hold open office hours

Holding regular open office hours allows leadership to be more accessible and approachable. This casual environment allows employees to discuss ideas, share concerns, or seek guidance. Open office hours also cultivate transparency and open communication, leading to stronger engagement and trust.

35. Create diverse culture committees

Diverse culture committees promote inclusion and ensure that you hear a wide range of perspectives of employees from various backgrounds and departments and consider them in company decisions. These committees can focus on organizing events, improving workplace culture, and fostering DEIB initiatives. Supporting these groups demonstrates your commitment to a vibrant, inclusive workplace that celebrates diverse viewpoints, which can enhance employee belonging.

36. Support internal coaching and mentoring

Internal coaching and mentoring programs are invaluable for employee development and facilitate internal knowledge sharing. Whether it’s through one-on-one coaching sessions and mentorships or group training and workshops, coaching helps employees:

• Gain valuable feedback.

• Develop new skills.

• Receive career guidance.

For example, contact centers can use call listening to provide agents with actionable insights into their performance, whereas sales teams can provide sales coaching to team members of all levels.

37. Create cross-training opportunities

Cross-training differs from cross-team mentorship programs because it focuses on career development, allowing employees to learn skills outside their usual roles. Cross-training helps make employees more versatile and better prepared for career advancement while promoting collaboration across departments so individuals can better understand other teams’ workflows. This strategic training can also give employees new challenges, reduce monotony, and expand professional capabilities.

38. Set up constructive performance reviews

Constructive performance reviews provide employees with meaningful feedback that encourages growth. Rather than focusing solely on past performance, these reviews should also outline actionable goals and offer guidance for improvement. Companies can foster continuous development, motivation, and team engagement by requiring employee performance management to create forward-looking and supportive performance reviews.

39. Throw internal networking events

Hosting internal networking events allows employees to connect with colleagues they may not interact with daily. Consider hosting:

• Roundtable discussions

• Internal career fairs

• Alumni groups

• Industry lectures

Whether it’s a casual meet-and-greet or a more structured event, these gatherings help build relationships, strengthen company culture, and improve collaboration.

40. Build and launch internal communication campaigns

Effective internal communication campaigns can keep employees informed and aligned with company goals. You can use these campaigns to share company updates, celebrate milestones, or promote new initiatives. Clear and engaging communication makes employees feel like active participants in the company’s journey, boosting engagement and fostering a sense of community.

41. Create and support employee resource groups

Employee resource groups (ERGs) are voluntary, employee-led groups that foster diversity and inclusion within an organization. Supporting these groups allows employees with shared interests or backgrounds to connect and advocate for positive change. ERGs give employees a platform to make meaningful contributions to workplace culture, ensuring they feel more engaged and connected to their peers and the company.

42. Use gamification to excite employees

Gamification is an innovative way to engage employees by adding elements of fun and competition to everyday tasks. By using employee engagement tools to set up contests or establish a reward system, employees can earn points, badges, or other incentives for completing tasks or achieving goals. This not only boosts motivation but also makes work more enjoyable. Gamification also taps into intrinsic motivations, driving engagement through healthy competition and recognition.

43. Arrange team lunches

Team lunches offer a relaxed environment for colleagues to bond and build relationships outside of formal meetings or everyday work. These social gatherings grow camaraderie, helping teams work better together and boosting morale. Whether it’s a casual lunch in the office or an outing to a local restaurant, these shared meals create opportunities for open communication and collaboration.

44. Loosen dress codes

Relaxing dress codes (within reason, of course) can create more comfortable and inclusive work environments. By introducing casual dress days—or allowing employees to dress comfortably every day—companies demonstrate flexibility and a modern approach to workplace culture. A relaxed dress code can also create a more engaged and happy workforce, where employees feel free to express themselves.

45. Set up exciting or informational workshops

Informational workshops can inspire and excite employees, whether focused on professional development, hobbies, or wellness. These sessions can be led by internal experts or external speakers and cover a wide range of topics, from leadership skills to cooking classes and everything in between. Additionally, informational workshops enhance employee knowledge, while non-work-related options provide a break from routine and help employees recharge.

46. Host lunch and learns

Lunch and learns are great opportunities for employees to learn more about their coworkers while also picking up new skills or insights. Lunch and learns can cover various topics, such as:

• Origami

• Plant care

• Comic books

• Stress or time management

• Public speaking tips

• Conflict resolution

By hosting informative and fun sessions during lunch breaks, companies can encourage continuous learning within a collaborative environment.

47. Hold virtual water cooler conversations

For remote teams, virtual water cooler conversations recreate the casual office chat that many employees miss. These informal, unstructured meetings allow coworkers to connect on a non-work-related level, which can improve camaraderie and build relationships across departments. Regular virtual water cooler sessions help remote employees feel more engaged and connected, even from a distance.

48. Put on remote or in-person coffee chats

Similar to virtual water cooler conversations, coffee chats provide employees with a relaxed setting to get to know one another. These one-on-one or small-group interactions foster a sense of community and belonging, whether done remotely over video calls or in person. Coffee chats between individuals—peer-to-peer or employee-to-leader—can help people feel more comfortable communicating openly throughout the workday.

49. Hand out team swag

Team-branded swag—like t-shirts, mugs, or tech accessories—can help employees feel more connected to a company. These items serve as fun reminders of the organization’s culture and can create a sense of employee pride.

50. Hold a yearly awards night

Regularly recognizing employee achievements is crucial for engagement, but holding a yearly awards night takes that recognition to the next level. This event allows companies to celebrate both individual and team successes in a fun and festive atmosphere. Whether done in-person or virtually, a yearly awards night contributes to a sense of accomplishment and can strengthen employee loyalty and motivation.

51. Celebrate special events and occasions

Celebrating personal milestones, such as birthdays, work anniversaries, or life events, shows employees that you value them beyond their professional contributions. These celebrations can be as simple as a personalized card or shout-out during a team meeting or as detailed as an in-person or remote party. Recognizing special occasions helps create a positive, inclusive culture where employees feel appreciated.

52. Have pet-friendly offices

Allowing pets in the office can significantly boost morale and create a more relaxed work environment. Employees who bring their pets to work may feel less stress and greater work satisfaction. Plus, pet-friendly policies promote a fun and engaging workplace while supporting employees’ well-being. If you’re unable to allow pets 24/7 due to allergies, rental agreements, or another reason, consider holding other social meetups outside the office.

53. Host themed office days

Themed office days add an element of fun to the workweek. These lighthearted events encourage creativity and team participation, breaking up mundane routines and sparking conversations. Fun and popular themes include:

• Tacky tie Tuesday

• Decade day

• Beach day

• Board game day

• Pajama day

• Superhero day

• Hat day

• Twin day

Themed days can also reflect company culture, encourage active participation and collaboration, and give employees something to look forward to.

54. Hold in-person company outings

In-person company outings, such as pottery making, bowling, or karaoke nights, are great ways to build team spirit. These out-of-office events allow employees to relax, bond, and create memories without professional pressure. Organizing fun and inclusive activities shows that the company values employee relationships and work-life balance, which can lead to stronger team cohesion and engagement.

55. Prioritize virtual employee engagement activities

Virtual employee engagement activities are essential for encouraging interaction between remote, hybrid, and in-person employees. Digital employee engagement options like virtual bingo, scavenger hunts, or remote show and tell give employees a chance to bond outside of work. Also, consider sprinkling in team-building activities for remote teams during team meetings to help keep employees connected, no matter where they’re located.

56. Support personal passion projects

Allow employees to dedicate time to personal passion projects within your company. Whether it’s developing a new initiative or exploring a creative side, supporting these projects helps employees feel more fulfilled and invested in their work, leading to higher engagement and innovation. Plus, passion projects encourage personal growth and contribute to a more dynamic workplace.

57. Sponsor clubs or interest groups

Creating or sponsoring clubs within a company allows employees to connect with peers who share similar passions. These clubs can focus on topics like:

• Books

• Sports

• Role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons

• Hobbies

• Professional Interests

These groups should meet regularly to collaborate, learn, or simply have fun, fostering a stronger sense of organizational community.

58. Give back to your community

Enhance employee engagement and corporate social responsibility by allowing employees to volunteer during work hours for causes they care about. By supporting community service, companies show that they value giving back to local communities, which can encourage employees to make a positive impact. This can also lead to a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment, both personally and professionally.

59. Match charitable donations

Employees want to believe the best about their organizations—so help them see the best in yours. Match your employees’ charitable donations to prove you care about their passions and want to contribute to the greater good. Matching programs also demonstrate that your company values philanthropy, which can enhance employee satisfaction by reinforcing a culture of giving and social responsibility.

60. Collaborate with local organizations

Partnering with local organizations for events or initiatives can create meaningful connections between your company and the community. Whether through sponsorships, joint volunteer efforts, or educational collaborations, these partnerships help employees feel more connected to their community and proud of their company’s role in making a difference.

61. Prioritize sustainability initiatives

Align your company with values that many employees care about by supporting sustainability initiatives, such as reducing waste or improving energy efficiency. Engaging employees in these efforts through green office practices, eco-friendly volunteer events, or other activities can improve both engagement and company culture while contributing to a larger environmental mission.

62. Organize happy hours

Happy hours offer a laid-back setting for employees to unwind and socialize. Whether virtual or in-person, these events provide an opportunity to bond outside of work tasks. Happy hours help create stronger relationships between employees, leading to improved team dynamics and overall engagement.

63. Don’t shy away from seasonal activities

Seasonal activities, like holiday parties, summer picnics, or themed office decorations, add a festive touch to the workplace. These events allow employees to celebrate the season, share in traditions, and enjoy a break from regular work routines. Seasonal activities also enhance the fun in the workplace, contributing to a more engaging and lively company culture. You can even ask your employees to help make decor and set up decorations in your office space to engage them in the whole activity.

Frequently asked questions

Consciously invest in employee engagement

Engaged employees are more productive, innovative, and committed to their roles, enhancing retention, morale, and company culture. To encourage employee engagement, you must also provide exceptional employee service. With an AI-powered employee service solution from Zendesk, you can improve service quality at scale while protecting your employees’s data. From intuitive help desk software to employee portal software, Zendesk empowers companies to deliver fast and personalized employee service, boosting engagement, satisfaction, and productivity.

Make it simple for your teams to get the help they need and drive success across your organization with a free Zendesk trial today.