Employee engagement in the U.S. fell to its lowest level in a decade last year. In response, HR leaders must increasingly consider the whole person, not just the “employee.” What matters most to them? What brings them joy?

Offering people opportunities to feed their interests, desires and aspirations is an investment that benefits both the employee and the organization. Providing moments of fulfillment, satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment opens up spaces for people to thrive.

A holistic approach to employee engagement (and education)

One way to enhance the work experience and foster higher levels of employee engagement lies in providing opportunities for skill development. This goes beyond solely focusing on technical skills. Rather, a more holistic approach involves incorporating “life” skills into the learning and development framework.

These life skills should be carefully curated to ensure they resonate with employees on multiple levels. They must be relevant to their current roles, valuable for career advancement and personally meaningful to their individual lives.

This multifaceted approach to skill-building not only enhances employees’ professional capabilities but also contributes to their personal growth and wellbeing, leading to a more fulfilling and enriching work experience.

Topics that are currently getting a lot of buzz—in and out of the workplace—include:

• Practicing leadership
• Learning to better navigate change
• Increasing your ability to adapt
• Becoming a better communicator

In addition to offering topics that will attract a diverse audience, HR leaders must think how they are building these skills. Through classroom-based training? Formal on-the-job project-based learning? Informal experiences? Unique or “unforgettable” moments?

Here are a few ideas that can enhance employee engagement.

Make it fun

Learning doesn’t have to be a chore. Infuse elements of fun and playfulness into skill-building initiatives. Gamification, incorporating humor and creating a lighthearted atmosphere can boost employee engagement and make the learning process enjoyable.

Think about incorporating team-based challenges, interactive quizzes or even role-playing scenarios that bring a sense of excitement and friendly competition to the experience. Remember, when people are having fun, they’re more likely to be receptive to new information and eager to participate.

Make it practical

Ensure that the skills being taught are directly applicable to employees’ roles and responsibilities. When people see the relevance and practical value of what they’re learning, they’re more motivated to engage and apply those skills in their work, heightening employee engagement.

Offer real-world scenarios, case studies and hands-on activities that allow employees to practice and refine their skills in a context that mirrors their day-to-day work. This approach not only reinforces the learning but also demonstrates the organization’s commitment to providing valuable and relevant development opportunities.

Align to purpose

Connect skill-building initiatives to the organization’s mission, vision and values. When employees see how their personal development aligns with the greater purpose of the company, it fosters a sense of meaning and belonging. Clearly articulate how the skills being developed contribute to the organization’s goals and highlight the positive impact that employees can have by applying those skills. This alignment creates a sense of shared purpose and encourages employees to see their work as more than just a job.

Create experiences

Move beyond traditional classroom-based training and design immersive experiences that leave a lasting impression. Think outside the box and consider unique and memorable ways to facilitate learning. This could involve outdoor team-building activities, workshops led by inspiring guest speakers or even opportunities to volunteer and give back to the community.

By creating experiences that are engaging, impactful and personally meaningful, you’re more likely to foster a sense of excitement and enthusiasm for learning and development.

When creating engagement experiences, keep these additional considerations in mind:

• Personalization: Tailor learning experiences to individual needs and preferences. Offer a variety of formats and modalities to accommodate different learning styles.
• Flexibility: Provide options for self-paced learning and allow employees to choose when and how they engage with development opportunities.
• Collaboration: Encourage teamwork and knowledge sharing by incorporating group projects, peer feedback and mentorship opportunities.
• Recognition: Acknowledge and celebrate employee achievements and milestones in their skill-building journey.

By embracing these principles and incorporating them into learning and development initiatives, HR leaders can create a culture of continuous learning that empowers employees to grow both personally and professionally. Investing in employees’ growth is investing in a company’s future.

When people feel valued and empowered, they innovate more, perform better and commit fully to shared success—driving positive change company-wide.