Snack 22: The Real Secret to Employee Engagement (Hint: It’s Not Ping-Pong or Pizza Parties)

Written By Erin Diehl
 
 
 

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In today’s snack-sized dose of Workday Playdate, Erin’s serving up a spicy truth: no amount of kombucha or karaoke can fix what’s really broken when it comes to employee engagement. 

The Problem: 

Only 33% of U.S. employees are engaged at work. And, spoiler alert: swag won’t save us. Connection is the missing link, not cold brew on tap. 

The Improv Hack to Try: The Scene Partner Swap 

Flip the script. Instead of waiting for someone else to boost morale, ask: 

If I were my boss or teammate… how would I help ME feel more engaged? 

Then act from that mindset for one week. Engagement isn’t entertainment, it’s a feedback loop. Start it. 

Why it works: Improv teaches us to make our scene partner look good. This mindset shift invites ownership, empathy, and action from any seat in the org chart. 

Wednesday Tease: Episode 299 — “Want to Nail Employee Engagement? Here’s What Actually Works (No Gimmicks Needed)” featuring Dr. Angela Jackson. 

Get the real drivers of motivation, leadership, and growth path design, no pizza party required. 

Feeling stretched thin but still trying to “stay positive”? Grab our free Positivity Without Pretending Toolkit. It’s a quick, honest reset for people leaders who want to show up without faking it. In five minutes or less, you’ll reframe, refuel, and lead with heart (even when you're running on fumes). Download it now and take the pressure off.   

No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting) 

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Connect with Erin Diehl x improve it! 

 
Erin Diehl
Next

Episode 298: Stop Waiting for a Mentor to Magically Appear—Start Here Instead