"Employee engagement is not just a buzzword - it has a clear link to increased business success". Not the words of a leading thinker or top practitioner at the latest HR conference, but of a cabinet minister.
Recently resfuffled business secretary John Hutton's words upon announcing a government review into new ways of increasing employee engagement should be welcomed by the HR community.
The fact that the government has finally woken up to what the vast majority of us have known for years - that engaged workers perform better, stay in their jobs longer and boost profits - is a shot in the arm for the profession.
But Hutton's warm words need to be matched by solid commitment. Employers must hold him to his vague promise that the government "will need to invest in something" following the review's recommendations - expected early next year.
Subsidies for management training, a range of tax breaks for corporate responsibility action and funds to encourage the sharing of best practice would be a good start. The fact that only about one in seven of the UK workforce are considered to be 'highly engaged' shows just how much potential there is for huge economic and productivity gains.
With the tough financial climate set to continue into 2009 and beyond, it's more important than ever that employers recognise the value of their staff and get the best out of them.
