Discovering Employee Engagement Theory

July 18, 2023

Engaged employees are more motivated, enthusiastic, and aligned with the company's goals. They are likely to go the extra mile, contribute their best efforts, and actively contribute to the growth of the company.

This article aims to guide the journey to cultivating employee engagement through employee engagement theories.

The Job Demands-Resources Model (JD-R Model) - Arnold B. Bakker and Evangelia Demerouti

The JD-R Model suggests that job demands (such as workload and time pressure) and job resources (such as autonomy and support) influence employee engagement. Analyze job demands and resources within the company to identify areas that need improvement and make necessary adjustments to enhance employee engagement.

The Job Characteristics Model (JCM) - Hackman and Oldham

The JCM proposes that certain job characteristics, such as skill variety, task identity, and feedback, contribute to employee engagement. Redesign job roles to include a variety of tasks, increased autonomy, and opportunities for feedback and skill development, thus fostering engagement.

The Self-Determination Theory (SDT) - Edward L. Deci and Richard M. Ryan

SDT emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation, autonomy, and competence in driving employee engagement. Create an environment that supports employees' sense of autonomy, provides opportunities for skill development, and offers meaningful work, thereby enhancing their intrinsic motivation and engagement.

The Job Embeddedness Theory - Mitchell, Holtom, and Lee

The Job Embeddedness Theory proposes that employees' engagement is influenced by the connections and links they have within their job and community. Foster engagement by creating opportunities for employees to feel connected to their colleagues, the organization, and the local community through social events, team-building activities, and community engagement initiatives.

While these theories provide valuable frameworks, it's essential to adapt and tailor them to suit the unique needs and cultural context of your company. By combining the insights from these theories with an authentic approach, it can lead to job satisfaction and overall organizational success.

Discover more frameworks to nurture employee engagement here.