How to Improve Your Employee Engagement and Retention

by Nov 22, 2022Communication, Leadership, News, Uncategorized0 comments

We agree employee engagement is a priority, it is not an easy task, and the benefits are worth the exercise. We can now better identify the process and make the required adjustments to begin the process of engaging engagement

Yes, I could not help myself right there.

As you begin the engagement process, pushback will be like anything else.

Expect that. Embrace it. You might find those doing the greatest pushing are the ones who must exit stage left first. A pretty good hunch right there. These are most likely your 18%ers. Some will surprise and disappoint you as you identify this. Others will delight you in their commitment and willingness to step up engagement.

JRCI Employee Engagement Lifecycle

1. Pre-Hire Recognition and Recruitment

2. Hiring and Position Matching Process

3. Onboarding Process with Expectations and Deliverables

4. Employee Engagement Process – Commitment and Accountability

5. Recognition/Advancement

6. Promotion or Termination

7. Engaged / Retired Alumni

“If this then is the expected lifecycle of an employee, How do I keep engagement and productivity? And on a limited budget?”

-Jeff Rogers

This is a fair question. My answer is, “With a lot of hard work and true authentic honesty, even when it hurts.” Here is where truth, candor, respect, commitment, accountability, expectations, deliverables, desired outcomes, and results mean something or do not.

Download the full document now for all the really good stuff!

Here is where transparency matters. I agree there are levels of appropriate openness. But when your action does not match your words, it is time to level up with the team to maintain and enhance engagement. So here lies a hint for you. Engagement derailment or enhancement matters most when tough decisions are on the line. Yes.

How do I keep momentum then and continue to build engagement on my teams?

 Engaged employees – 30 %

Not-engaged employees – 52%

Actively Disengaged – 18%

 “But Jeff, this might be other teams but not mine!”

This boat tells the tale of what we, as leaders, are up against every day. As I explain this chart to many leaders, they say, “But Jeff, this might be other teams but not mine!” and I respect that. With additional conversation, they associate different team members with these three groups.

How to improve employee engagement and retention within your organization

To support the 30% with everything you have and influence that 52% in the right direction is your best use of resources. Yet many of us try to change the unchangeable 18%ers and waste everyone’s time.

I do not believe this to be a pick-three menu at your local restaurant. Instead, I think this is a “You must do all of this all the time, even when it hurts.” When you have these balls in the air, something magic happens.

Remember, if you are not getting the desired outcomes and results you seek, the problem is somewhere in the process. Then add the people, and it all gets weird quickly.

By now, you know what to do. Go do it!


This content was initially posted to Jeff Rogers Coach weekly email, Business Tip Tuesday. Sign up for Business Tip Tuesday below to get tips to help you and your business grow Personally, Professionally and Organizationally.

Greg Smith

Greg Smith

CPA and CPBC

About Greg Smith

CPA & Certified Professional Business Coach

Greg has developed a significant professional background working in various industries. With a background in sales, sales management, leadership, and people development, Greg brings great value to Catalyst Leadership Dynamics.

Greg Smith has participated in all levels of the EOES 1.0 – 4.0 programming with JRCI, now Catalyst Leadership Dynamics, and led his cohort to success. Jeff Rogers asked Greg to work with him and Jeff’s students at Syracuse University, Whitman School of Management, EEE370 Entrepreneurship class for four years, teaching the accounting section. Each semester, Greg’s session was one of the most special to the students.

Greg is a tax senior manager with Dermody, Burke & Brown, CPAs, LLC, and a business coach with Jeffrey A. Rogers Executive Business Coaching. Greg’s experiences as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Professional Business Coach (CPBC) bring detailed knowledge and skill to the team.

Greg can understand the needs of business owners and executives to provide day-to-day tax and accounting consulting and leadership coaching to empower leaders to continue growing daily. Greg was asked to join the team based on his vast business knowledge and skill set and because he has a unique ability to break complex matters into digestible and usable information.

Education, Certifications, and Boards:

  • Treasurer of the New York Family Business Center at the Madden School of Business at Le Moyne College
  • Treasurer of The Orchard Church

Recognition and Awards

Central New York Forty Under Forty Honoree

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