Gallup states US$8.9 trillion of GDP is lost every year due to low employee engagement. Their latest study shows only 23% of employees are engaged.
A quick story – we recently attended the friends and family soft opening of the new Tutta Bella in Seattle. A very elderly couple came it (the lady had a walker), probably from the high-end retirement home across the street.
The hostess asked if they were friends and family, they said no, she told them it was a private event, and their faces and shoulders slumped in disappointment. A long walk (for them) on a cold, windy day. Seeing this, the hostess seated them and let them eat.
I bet they went back to their home and told everyone what happened. What great word of mouth advertising. Footnote – the owner of Tutta Bella, Joe Fugere, told me he saw the same couple there during the public opening week (he noticed the red walker).
This is an example of an engaged employee! And the engagement pays dividends.
It’s all about attitude. On Monday I said to my wife after breakfast, “Off to the wars of helping people.” No planning, it just came out, and when you look at your work as that of helping others you’re engaged.
