What do you mean by employee engagement?
What Is Employee Engagement?
Employee engagement is the emotional commitment employees feel toward their work and organisation. Leaders who coach unlock this engagement by empowering autonomy, growth and trust.
Let’s get real for a second—employee engagement isn't just about ping-pong tables, Friday drinks, or smiley faces on staff surveys.
True engagement goes deeper. It's about energy. Commitment. Emotional connection.
Engaged employees care about their work. They go the extra mile, not because they have to, but because they want to. They believe in what they do and who they do it for.
But here’s the million-pound question: How do we ignite that kind of engagement?
One word. Coaching.
(See our approach to Employee Engagement)
How Coaching Leadership Builds Engagement
A coaching style of leadership isn’t about barking orders or micromanaging. It’s about trust. Listening. Empowering. Leaders who coach don’t just give instructions—they develop people.
They ask powerful questions. They give constructive, regular feedback. They believe their team members are capable of growth and help them realise their potential.
This style of leadership builds engagement by doing three key things:
- Fostering autonomy – People feel they have a say.
- Showing appreciation – Employees know they matter.
- Encouraging growth – Development isn’t just a tick box. It’s ongoing.
What the Research Shows (with stats)
This isn’t just theory. The data backs it up.
✔️ A 2024 study in Frontiers in Psychology found a direct link between coaching leadership and increased employee engagement. Employees led by coaching-style leaders reported higher levels of energy, dedication, and absorption in their work. Even more striking? Their sense of organisational self-worth—how valuable they felt to the business—played a big role in amplifying that engagement. Read the study here.
✔️ Gallup research continues to reveal that 70% of the variance in team engagement can be traced back to the manager. Not perks. Not pay. The manager. And coaching is emerging as the game-changer. Explore the insights.
✔️ Another brilliant read from the Illinois CPA Society argues that coaching is not just helpful—it's essential to creating high-performing, engaged teams. It boosts accountability, self-leadership, and long-term retention. Check it out.
Actions Leaders Can Take Today
If you're a leader or aspiring to be one, ask yourself:
- Are you telling, or are you asking?
- Are you managing, or are you coaching?
- Are your people surviving, or are they thriving?
Because if we want engagement, we must first create environments where people feel safe, seen and supported.
And that’s exactly what a coaching style of leadership delivers.
Let’s stop guessing what motivates people. Let’s start leading in a way that brings out their best.
If you’re ready to explore how a coaching style can supercharge your team’s engagement, drop us a message. Let’s talk about how we can shift from managing tasks to unleashing potential.
FAQ: Employee Engagement
1. What is employee engagement?
Employee engagement is the emotional commitment an employee has towards their organisation and its goals. It’s more than just job satisfaction—engaged employees show up with energy, care about their work, and feel connected to their purpose and team.
2. Why does employee engagement matter?
Engaged employees perform better, stay longer, and contribute more creatively. They go the extra mile because they want to, not because they have to. It’s the difference between a team that survives and one that thrives.
3. What drives true engagement at work?
Purpose, autonomy, appreciation, and growth. When employees feel trusted, valued, and supported in their development, engagement soars. A coaching-style leadership approach helps unlock these drivers.
4. How does coaching improve employee engagement?
Coaching-style leadership builds trust, encourages two-way conversations, and focuses on development rather than control. Leaders who coach help employees grow, feel seen, and take ownership of their work—all of which boosts engagement.
5. Is there evidence that coaching leads to higher engagement?
Yes. Studies show a strong link between coaching and engagement. Research highlights increased energy, dedication, and retention among employees led by coaching-style managers. The manager’s role is critical.
6. How can leaders start using coaching to drive engagement?
Ask more, tell less. Prioritise regular feedback, encourage autonomy, and support each team member’s growth journey. It’s about shifting from managing tasks to unlocking potential.
7. What does real-world employee engagement look like under a coaching leader?
Picture someone like Amina. She's managing a busy operations team. Targets to hit, people to support, never-ending emails. Sound familiar?
For a while, Amina was doing what most leaders do. Weekly check-ins. Performance tracking. The occasional pizza Friday. But something was off. People were showing up… just not fully. Quiet quitting, low energy, and polite nods instead of honest conversations.
That’s when Amina started shifting gears.
Instead of focusing on tasks first, she started focusing on trust. She asked open questions like “What’s getting in the way?” and “How can I support you better?” At first, the team didn’t quite know what to do with that level of care. But slowly, things changed.
One team member, Reece, began opening up about feeling underused. Another, Nina, admitted she’d been considering leaving — until she felt heard.
Amina didn’t throw out the KPIs. She just led with curiosity instead of control. Recognition got more personal. 1:1s became real conversations. Feedback flowed both ways.
Now? Engagement is up. So is initiative. People bring ideas instead of waiting for instructions. They’re not just doing the work — they care about it.
And Amina? She’s still busy. But now, she feels like a leader her team wants to follow.
In Summary: What You Need to Know
- Employee engagement goes beyond perks—it’s rooted in purpose and connection.
- Coaching-style leadership is a proven way to build that deeper engagement.
- When employees feel heard, supported and empowered, they bring their best to work.
- Engagement isn’t a mystery—it’s a mindset. And coaching is the catalyst.
- Ready to level up your team’s energy and commitment? Start leading like a coach.
Want to explore employee engagement even more?
See our insight-packed webinar "Boost Employee Engagement with a Coaching Approach"
Trayton Vance
Trayton Vance is the Founder and Managing Director of Coaching Focus Group, one of the UK’s leading leadership coaching consultancies. With over two decades of experience, Trayton helps organisations build coaching cultures that unlock potential, drive engagement, and create lasting impact.
Coaching Focus Group
Specialists in leadership coaching, workplace coaching programmes, and building coaching cultures that stick.
You might be interested in...
Employee Engagement Series
