The terms “connection” and “engagement” appear frequently in business journals and blogs. What do these concepts refer to, and how do they influence a company’s success?

58 percent of American adults feel “lonely,” the effects of which can reduce lifespan, creativity, and work productivity, creating health issues that mimic the result of smoking 15 cigarettes per day. The U.S. saw its first annual decline in employee engagement in a decade with Gallup reporting that 17 percent of workers are actively disengaged from their company culture. A strong culture fosters a true sense of belonging, personal recognition, and a connection to purpose, accomplishment, and one another. What are the most effective ways to achieve this?

Inspire meaning

Employees want to feel as though their work contributes to an important goal. Organizations can connect business goals to a meaningful purpose by illustrating the need for the company’s product or service. If, for example, an IT help desk loses motivation, the organization can remind them of ways their technical knowledge and contributions ease workers’ frustrations and keep the company working smoothly towards its business goals.

Related: Creative Ways to Keep Your Employees’ Spirits High When Working From Home

Show appreciation

If 63 percent of employees across the United States feel unappreciated by their employer daily, how will long-term productivity and engagement be maintained? When supervisors notate, celebrate, and share news of an employee’s accomplishment, it elevates the camaraderie and pride that bonds an employee to their organization. It also encourages co-workers to place a higher value on their contributions, which promotes internal respect.

Related: What Do Employees Want from Their Managers?

Foster a sense of belonging

The McKinsey Great Attrition survey found that 51 percent of employees left their job because they lacked a sense of belonging in their organization. It lowers the morale of an employee when he or she feels perceived as only a “worker.” Survey your friends and ask what they would miss most if they moved on to a new opportunity—their duties or co-workers? When a strong sense of team belonging has been established, it becomes harder to leave an organization. A strong team culture encourages employees to work with enthusiasm and creativity, which in turn, helps an organization succeed.

A culture of appreciation in the workplace encourages mentorship, collaboration, trust, and produces stronger results. Inspired employees associate themselves with the company purpose and work with a greater passion. This big-picture thinking encourages a culture of validation and reduces loneliness. When employees feel part of a strategy, they come together in a communicative, productive, and respectful way, which produces stronger results.

Related: 8 Ways to Build an Inclusive Workplace

For more information about maintaining employee engagement, check out our following blogs and white papers:

Free white paper: The Guide to Accessing Talent and Building Better Workforces

Related: 3 Ways to Create Meaning for Employees (Besides Money)

This blog was written by Acara Account Executive Shannon Callahan.