Study Shows Employee Engagement Growing In Importance; But Still A Missing Link

Bernard Hodes Group, a leading provider of integrated talent solutions, today announced the results of new research revealing that 46 percent of organizations have increased employee engagement programs since the downturn of the economy. However, despite the overwhelming evidence linking high engagement levels and superior organizational performance, less than half (42 percent) view engagement as a top three priority out of 17 choices

New York, NY (PRWEB) December 11, 2009

Bernard Hodes Group, a leading provider of integrated talent solutions, today announced the results of new research revealing that 46 percent of organizations have increased employee engagement programs since the downturn of the economy. However, despite the overwhelming evidence linking high engagement levels and superior organizational performance, less than half (42 percent) view engagement as a top three priority out of 17 choices*.

"For any leadership team willing to invest in their own people, competitive advantage is there for the taking," said Paul Austermuehle , Hodes senior vice president and co-author of the study. "While more than 81 percent of our respondents were measuring engagement only 42 percent consider it a top three priority. We have found that companies have the tools in place and information at hand, but they still need to create a road map to results."

Additional results from the research include:

• After engagement, employee training and development (27 percent), and retention (25 percent) round out the most cited priorities for professionals surveyed.
• Twenty-eight percent of those surveyed have implemented education and training programs as part of their engagement strategy, followed by recognition and awards programs (27 percent).
• Although many companies already have these programs in place, 32 percent are not planning on instituting a diversity or inclusion program, and 31 percent are not planning on implementing a social media presence – both of which are recommended for increased engagement.
• Fifty-six percent of companies conduct engagement surveys at least once a year, gaining feedback from employees about the level of their commitment to their employer, while 19 percent do not conduct engagement surveys.

*Each respondent selected three choices.

The research was conducted May through September 2009 among 191 human resources and internal communications professionals, and was administered via an online survey and in-depth telephone interviews. To access a full copy of the survey, please click here.

About Bernard Hodes Group
Bernard Hodes Group is a leading fully integrated talent solutions provider, Bernard Hodes Group (http://www.hodes.com) offers solutions that often combine multiple service offerings from the Company's core competency areas: Recruitment Marketing; Sourcing/Response Management; Hiring Process Re-engineering; and Staffing Technology (see http://www.hodesiQ.com). All solutions are developed and measured within the company's 360-degree process methodology. The company is headquartered in New York, with over 80 offices and affiliates around the globe. Bernard Hodes Group is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE - OMC). Omnicom is a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, interactive, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries. Bernard Hodes Group serves thousands of clients in virtually every industry, helping them to attract and retain talented workers in every skill set.

This press release was distributed through PR Web by Human Resources Marketer (HR Marketer: http://www.HRmarketer.com) on behalf of the company listed above.

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