Employee engagement is defined as a measure of how committed an employee feels to their organization; how much they identify with their organization; how satisfied they feel with their job; and how energized they feel in their work. There is no doubt that employers benefit in many ways from high levels of employee engagement, while disengagement not only negatively impacts individual workers, but can easily spread. 

America has always been a nation that thrives on the innovation of its entrepreneurs, the insights of its thinkers, and the inspiration of its artists. However, time and again, it's the frontline workforce that stands as the backbone of the nation, ensuring its steady march forward. 

In any organization, particularly ones that rely on a frontline workforce, the relationship between leadership and frontline employees plays a huge role in shaping the culture, productivity, and overall success of the workplace. 

The current macro environment is challenging for businesses of all sizes. But it’s a lot less challenging if you have above average employee retention. And that’s one place small businesses are winning. 

Organizations that rely heavily on a frontline workforce (nearly 90%!) are realizing that frontline employee retention has become their topmost concern. Leaders across industries have recognized the critical role that frontline employees play in driving customer satisfaction, maintaining operational efficiency, and ultimately contributing to the overall success of the company. That’s why frontline employee retention has emerged as the number one concern of leaders in 2023 (even above hiring). 

Competition for talent is stiff these days, no matter which industry you’re in. But the fight to hire and, particularly, retain great talent, is especially fierce in industries that employ a frontline workforce. While attention is often focused on top-level management and strategic initiatives, hat many business leaders don’t realize is that frontline managers play a huge role in whether or not frontline employees decide to stay or go. 

Take a moment to think about your favorite job that you've ever had. Most likely, one of the reasons that this job was meaningful to you was because of the relationships that you had with your employer and your fellow employees. When we feel valued at the workplace, our work feels more meaningful. 

Now more than ever, it is important that employees feel valued at the workplace. One way to accomplish this is through employee recognition.

As Dr. Bob Nelson says, “Take time to appreciate employees and they will reciprocate in a thousand ways.” 

In our post-pandemic world, it's not enough to assume frontline employees are just " happy to have a job." 

Things have changed, and frontline workers no longer seek jobs where the expectation is the bare minimum in exchange for a paycheck. 

They are more attracted to a work environment where they feel valued and respected, with managers who make them feel like they're contributing to something significant and are working towards common goals. 

Your frontline employees work hard. And amid busy schedules and the holiday rush, it can be easy to overlook showing them how much you appreciate their dedication to your organization.

Hourly workers often put in more than 40-hour work weeks during the holiday season — especially amid a labor crisis — and miss out on celebrations with family and friends. 

Although frontline employees receive overtime pay for their extra hours, it’s a requirement by the department of labor. 

Rewarding your hourly workers beyond what is expected of you, especially when they sacrifice so much, is essential to let them know you care.