How to Work With Someone Who's Disengaged

Engagement at work is a sign of employee motivation and resulting productivity. Unfortunately, only about 13% of people globally are engaged at work, and disengaged employees cost the economy $500 billion per year. Work engagement has a direct correlation with performance.

There is a dire need to increase our ability to collaborate with disengaged and less motivated employees.

• Do not make assumptions about a disengaged employee's performance. While statistically, such employees do underperform, there can be other reasons too.
• Do not force an employee to be someone they are not. Everyone cannot be happy and optimistic all the time.
• Do not get emotional, and stick to a transactional, formal, work-focused style. Do not expect to win their hearts or influence them by appealing to their emotions.
• Do not assign employees tasks beyond their area of expertise.