In today’s evolving workplace, the concept of employee engagement has evolved and has now become a critical part of an organization’s core strategy. In addition to that, in current times when we have a multi-generational workforce with Baby Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y (or the Millennials), and Gen Z all working under the same roof, the traditional “one-size-fits-all” approach in planning the Employee Engagement strategy for an organization no longer cuts it.
At REA India, we’ve embraced this complexity as an opportunity to rethink what engagement means and how it can become a meaningful, inclusive experience for everyone involved.
Let’s face it: keeping everyone engaged in a single conversation can be tough, let alone keeping everyone equally engaged in a work environment. While Baby Boomers and Gen X have higher appreciation for stability, standard processes and clear career paths, Gen Y and Gen Z often seek flexibility, focus on health & well-being and how the organization’s purpose links to their larger goals in life.
Bridging this generational divide isn’t a nice-to-have anymore; it’s essential for the long-term health of any organization. Studies show that engaged employees are up to 17% more productive and less likely to leave, helping organizations retain talent in a competitive market (Gallup, 2023).
On a lighter note, engagement strategies should be like a good cup of ‘Chai’ 😊 part of one’s daily routine, comforting, yet flexible enough to suit different tastes. Rather than focusing on sporadic events or quick-fix activities, we’re building engagement into our culture in a way that feels organic for all and not something which is only meant for a few. For example, we acknowledge that learning is a universal need, and everyone can be part of the same.
Our “LearnED” sessions, are a peer-driven knowledge-sharing platform where colleagues from all generations come together and share expertise in a particular domain, discuss new industry trends, and learn something new from each other. This could even mean someone from Gen X sharing valuable insights based on the rich knowledge they have gained over the years, or Gen Y and Z sharing the most recent advanced technological developments with their more experienced colleagues.
Engagement in today’s work environment is also deeply tied to development. Everyone wants to feel like they’re progressing towards something—not just in terms of promotions but in skill-building and personal growth. Our gamified learning experiences and on-the-go learning options, make development feel less like a chore and more like an adventure. While one person might be racking up points in a skill-building program, another might be joining a “Friyay Connect” session—a relaxed Friday get-together where teams can brainstorm ideas or just share some laughs together before the weekend starts. It’s a little structured, a little spontaneous, but entirely in tune with what people are looking for: a work-life blend, not a balance that leans too heavily on one side.
In an era where over 50% of Indian professionals report burnout, according to McKinsey Health Institute survey 2023, engagement must also address well-being. At REA India, we’re enabling work flexibility with hybrid options, allowing our people to balance personal commitments alongside their professional growth.
In addition to flexible work arrangements, our Employee Well-being Assistance Program (EWAP) provides confidential counselling and resources, supporting mental health and resilience. According to World Health Organization (WHO), lost productivity alone for depression and anxiety has been estimated to cost the global economy US$ 1 trillion per year and is forecast to reach $16 trillion by 2030, hence such support systems are no longer optional—they’re integral to a healthy workforce.
While each generation might have certain preferred styles, however there are some basic human traits which are common for all individuals. For instance, everyone across generations would want to be heard and have a channel to voice their opinion. At REA India, we take pride in the open and interactive environment we have been able to create for our teams. All individuals enjoy direct access to senior leaders and these regular connects have been instrumental in building trust within the teams and making everyone feel like they’re a part of the larger picture.
Today’s dynamic workforce also demands a culture that promotes innovation and collaboration. Our “MYDEA” platform encourages all employees, regardless of their role or team, to pitch ideas and contribute to innovation across any of the business areas, creating a collective sense of ownership. This initiative has brought forth fresh perspectives from our teams leading to tangible improvements and aiding business results. We recognize that engagement isn’t a top-down process; it’s a collaborative effort where every voice counts.
An engagement strategy that supports career growth is critical in today’s workplace. At REA India, our talent management framework is designed to identify and nurture high-potential employees, creating opportunities for upward mobility and building a strong leadership pipeline. This approach is essential in supporting the aspirations of our team members while providing them with multiple opportunities to focus on their development areas.
Of course, no engagement strategy would be complete without addressing the role of feedback. While the more formal employee engagement surveys help us in understanding the sentiment of all teams across the organization, our initiatives like “Blank Canvas” allow us to tap into the pulse of the workforce through focus group discussions.
Through such feedback loops, we’re not just getting insights—we’re actively inviting employees to co-create the work environment they want. As company policies have a direct connection with people experience, we invite our people to co-create the polices together with us and have a say on the elements that they would like to see in the policies that are either new or are due for renewal.
As Peter Drucker wisely said, “The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.” This rings true in employee engagement as well. It’s about listening to the needs, concerns, and ambitions that are sometimes left unspoken and acting on them in a way that makes everyone feel seen and valued.
In crafting our engagement strategy, we recognize that the needs of each generation might differ at some levels, however the goalpost we want to achieve aligns with all: to create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their best.
To conclude, the Employee Engagement landscape for a multi-generational workforce should be a wider spectrum of carefully crafted initiatives offered to individuals to choose from as per their preference, convenience, and personal choices.
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