Although satisfaction is essential, it’s only part of the employee engagement process. Learn the differences so you can cultivate highly engaged employees in your organization.
The Little Extra
Satisfaction is transactional. In return for their work, companies provide employees with the basics: compensation, tools and resources, physical safety, and respect to name a few.
Engagement is transformational. It contributes to peak experiences that make employees eager to give extra, discretionary effort.
It’s About Time
Satisfaction is about temporary happiness.
Engagement is about long-term feelings of purpose, belonging, growth, and personal accomplishment.
Shared Responsibility
Satisfaction is controlled by the organization.
Engagement is shared by the employer and employee, a 50-50 responsibility.
Show Me the Money
Satisfaction is expensive. Raises, perks, and office extras cost a lot of money.
Engagement can cost nothing but requires a conscious effort.
What’s My Motivation
Satisfaction is based on factors, which don’t necessarily motivate people but when taken away can cause them to be demotivated.
Engagement is about using the heart, spirit, hands, and mind.
More Than a Feeling
Satisfaction involves only feelings.
Engagement involves feelings as well, but also requires action.
