Anyone who runs a startup or small business understands the value of highly engaged employees. These are the people whose enthusiasm and commitment manifest in the high performance and innovation needed to drive a business forward. They help employers pedal in the uphill climb that is growing a business, rather than simply hanging on at the back.

But is seems they’re a rare breed. Fewer than one in four (23%) employees globally are what Gallup describes as ‘engaged’ in its latest State of the Global Workplace report.

The bulk of employees are ‘psychologically unattached’ to their work, simply putting in the time without much energy or passion.

Worse though are the three in every 20 employees (15%) who are actively disengaged. These people are unhappy, resentful and probably looking for another job.

In the Sub-Saharan African countries Gallup surveyed, 20% of employees were engaged, which is below the global average. The region ranked 7th out of 10 global regions.

With 29% engaged employees, South Africa is well above the regional and global averages. Its percentage of engaged employees has been increasing steadily.

Actively disengaged employees in South Africa (11.7%) are also below the global (15%) and regional (17%) averages. This proportion has been falling for the past few years.

The top-performing ‘best-practice’ organisations achieve average employee engagement of 70%, according to the Gallup report. Something to aspire to.

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