Today’s HR teams aren’t just managing policies; they’re also managing expectations. Big ones. From hybrid working to mental health, employees want more than a paycheck and a ping-pong table. They want purpose. Belonging. Clarity. And above all, they want to feel heard.
According to Gallup’s latest report, global employee engagement has dropped to just 21%, marking its first decline in years and signaling deeper challenges in how organizations connect with their people. The result? Lower morale, rising burnout, and a growing disconnect between employees and the workplace.
The good news? HR teams are perfectly placed to lead the charge.
Look at the whole experience, not just the job
Modern employee engagement isn’t a one-off initiative. It’s an ongoing experience that starts the moment someone joins and continues every day after that. It’s shaped by every message, meeting, and missed opportunity to connect.
Here are four practical ways HR teams can make a difference, plus how Ichicraft Boards helps bring them to life through your digital workplace.
1. Create a culture that includes everyone
People thrive when they feel seen. An inclusive workplace culture – where every employee feels valued, respected and able to be themselves – fosters connection, collaboration, and long-term engagement.
Try this: The People Search Widget helps employees put names to faces and build a sense of connection, especially in hybrid or distributed teams. The Birthday Widget adds a personal touch, making it easy to celebrate milestones and make people feel appreciated, no forgotten birthdays, no awkward “was it today?” moments.
When people feel recognized and included, they’re far more likely to feel engaged and connected to their team.
2. Support well-being in real terms
Well-being isn’t a checkbox, it’s a strategy. That includes flexible working, mental health support, and proactive approaches to work-life balance. When employees feel supported in their whole selves, engagement naturally follows.
Try this: The Embed Widget lets you surface external well-being tools – think guided meditations, workout videos, or mental health hubs – directly within your digital workspace. Pair it with the Podcast Widget to share calming audio content or inspiring talks that employees can dip into whenever they need a breather. It’s well-being, made accessible.
3. Communicate clearly and often
“People want clarity – not red tape or corporate jargon. They want to understand how HR supports, rewards, and develops them – and to trust that support will be there when it matters,” says careers coach Hannah Salton.
That means ditching the buzzwords and opening up two-way conversations. Clear, honest communication helps employees feel secure, informed, and empowered to grow.
Try this: The News Widget delivers must-read updates without overwhelming people, while the Countdown Widget is a fun way to highlight key HR dates, deadlines, or events. It’s a small touch that helps people feel informed and involved.
“We were seeking a singlepoint‑ entry to our intranet and essential systems, and Ichicraft Boards provides exactly that. Its ability to centralize communication across all departments and offer a personalized digital workspace made it the ideal solution for improving internal communication at IWB.”
— Magali Lähns, Project Manager Internal Communication at IWB
4. Adapt to what people really want
The workplace is evolving, and HR must evolve with it. Today’s employees expect flexibility, meaningful development, and a voice in shaping their work environment. That’s especially true at the start of their journey. By actively supporting people from day one and learning what works (and what doesn’t), HR can stay relevant and responsive.
As Hannah says: “HR needs to stay open and accessible, actively listening to employees and managers to keep evolving and supporting the business in the right way.”
Try this: The Onboard Widget helps guide new employees through key processes, resources, and messages, while also giving you insight into what they’re seeing, missing, or needing more of. It’s a smart way to surface feedback early and keep people feeling informed and supported from day one.
Build a digital workplace that engages everyone
At Ichicraft, we believe a more engaged workforce starts with a more connected one. Our personalized dashboards give every employee the tools, information, and updates they need, tailored to them.
And the business case couldn’t be clearer. According to Gallup, low engagement is costing the global economy $8.9 trillion. That’s 9% of global GDP lost to disconnection, miscommunication, and burnout.
The solution? Create digital spaces where people feel heard, recognized, and supported every day.
Because when people feel supported, connected, and engaged, they don’t just work. They thrive.
FAQs
Why is employee engagement important in 2025?
Employee engagement drives productivity, retention, and business growth. Gallup reports only 21% of employees are engaged, costing the global economy $8.9 trillion. Engaged employees feel valued, supported, and connected, making them more motivated and resilient at work.
What are the biggest challenges HR faces with engagement today?
HR must balance hybrid work, well-being, and employee expectations. The biggest challenges include creating inclusive cultures, supporting mental health, and ensuring communication is clear and consistent, so employees feel connected and engaged no matter where they work.
How can HR improve employee engagement in hybrid workplaces?
HR can improve engagement by building inclusive digital spaces, offering well-being resources, communicating clearly, and adapting to employee feedback. Tools like Ichicraft Boards help hybrid teams stay connected, informed, and supported across locations and devices.
What digital tools help improve employee engagement?
Digital tools like Ichicraft Boards foster engagement with widgets for people search, birthdays, onboarding, well-being, and news updates. These features personalize the digital workplace, helping employees feel recognized, supported, and informed every day.
How can HR support employee well-being beyond policies?
Supporting well-being means embedding resources into everyday workflows. HR can use tools to surface meditation apps, fitness videos, or podcasts, while also encouraging flexibility and balance. Accessible, proactive well-being support helps employees thrive.
What role does communication play in employee engagement?
Clear communication builds trust and connection. Employees want transparency, not jargon. With tools like targeted news widgets and countdowns, HR can keep staff informed and confident, improving engagement and reducing uncertainty in the workplace.
How can onboarding affect engagement long term?
Strong onboarding sets the foundation for engagement. When new hires feel supported from day one, they’re more likely to stay engaged. Tools like Ichicraft’s Onboard Widget guide employees, provide resources, and create a positive start.
How does low engagement impact business performance?
Low engagement increases turnover, burnout, and lost productivity. Gallup estimates disengagement costs 9% of global GDP. Investing in employee engagement helps organizations improve morale, retain talent, and achieve stronger business results.
Time to rethink employee engagement?
Ready to build a workspace that truly engages your users (and your IT team)?
Book a personalized demo and see for yourself how Ichicraft Boards can boost employee engagement augmenting the Microsoft 365 tools you and your team are already using.
