Cuura

Employee Engagement and Feedback: The Missing Link

Discover how regular feedback creates engaged teams, and why engagement without feedback is just guesswork.

Jack Evans
4 min read

The Feedback-Engagement Connection

Here's a truth bomb: You can't have real engagement without feedback. Here's why they're inseparable, and how to use this knowledge to build a stronger team.

Why Engagement Matters

The Real Cost of Disengagement

  • 18% lower productivity
  • 15% lower profitability
  • 37% higher absenteeism
  • 65% higher turnover

But here's the kicker - most businesses are trying to fix engagement without proper feedback. That's like trying to fix a car without looking under the bonnet.

The Feedback-Engagement Loop

How It Works

  1. Ask for Feedback → Creates feeling of being valued

  2. Listen to Responses → Shows respect for opinions

  3. Take Action → Demonstrates commitment

  4. Communicate Changes → Builds trust and engagement

  5. Repeat → Strengthens the cycle

Signs of Low Engagement (That Feedback Can Fix)

1. The Quiet Quit

  • Minimal effort
  • Clock-watching
  • Lack of initiative

Feedback Fix:

  • Regular check-ins
  • Career development discussions
  • Role clarity conversations

2. The Energy Drain

  • Monday blues
  • Low team morale
  • Negative atmosphere

Feedback Fix:

  • Pulse surveys
  • Team retrospectives
  • Open dialogue sessions

3. The Innovation Gap

  • Few new ideas
  • Resistance to change
  • "We've always done it this way"

Feedback Fix:

  • Innovation workshops
  • Suggestion schemes
  • Improvement forums

Building an Engagement-Feedback Culture

1. Start with Safety

Create an environment where:

  • Honest feedback is welcomed
  • Mistakes are learning opportunities
  • Different views are valued
  • Questions are encouraged

2. Make it Regular

Establish rhythm with:

  • Weekly check-ins
  • Monthly pulse surveys
  • Quarterly deep dives
  • Annual reviews

3. Close the Loop

After feedback:

  • Share insights
  • Plan actions
  • Set timelines
  • Report progress

Engagement Drivers That Need Feedback

1. Purpose

Ask about:

  • Role clarity
  • Company mission
  • Personal impact
  • Future vision

2. Development

Explore:

  • Growth opportunities
  • Skill gaps
  • Career aspirations
  • Learning needs

3. Recognition

Understand:

  • Preferred recognition styles
  • Achievement visibility
  • Reward effectiveness
  • Celebration preferences

4. Wellbeing

Check:

  • Work-life balance
  • Stress levels
  • Support needs
  • Resource requirements

Making Feedback Drive Engagement

1. Ask the Right Questions

For Purpose:

  • "How does your work contribute to our mission?"
  • "What makes you proud to work here?"

For Growth:

  • "Where do you want to be in 6 months?"
  • "What skills would help you succeed?"

For Connection:

  • "How supported do you feel?"
  • "What would make teamwork better?"

2. Take Meaningful Action

Turn feedback into:

  • Quick wins (24-48 hours)
  • Medium-term improvements (2-4 weeks)
  • Long-term changes (3-6 months)

3. Measure Impact

Track:

  • Engagement scores
  • Participation rates
  • Action completion
  • Outcome measures

Tools for Engagement Through Feedback

1. Regular Check-ins

  • Quick and focused
  • Two-way dialogue
  • Action-oriented
  • Progress tracking

2. Pulse Surveys

  • Short and frequent
  • Trend monitoring
  • Quick response
  • Clear metrics

3. Engagement Platforms

  • Easy access
  • Real-time data
  • Action planning
  • Progress tracking

How Cuura Connects Feedback and Engagement

We've built our platform to:

  1. Make Feedback Easy

    • Quick to give
    • Simple to analyse
    • Clear to act on

  2. Drive Engagement

    • Regular touchpoints
    • Visible progress
    • Clear communication

  3. Show Impact

    • Trend tracking
    • Action monitoring
    • Outcome measuring

Getting Started

  1. Assess Current State

    • Engagement levels
    • Feedback channels
    • Action processes

  2. Pick One Area

    • Start small
    • Focus effort
    • Show results

  3. Build Momentum

    • Share successes
    • Expand gradually
    • Maintain consistency

Next Steps

Ready to connect feedback and engagement?

  1. Choose your first feedback channel
  2. Set up regular check-ins
  3. Plan your response process
  4. Start measuring impact

Remember: Engagement without feedback is just guesswork. Start listening, start acting, start improving.

Need help connecting feedback and engagement? We're here to help - and we've got the tools to make it happen.