Employee attitude is closely tied to the bottom line of a business, with disengaged workers often having a negative effect on overall operations.

Commonly, disengaged workers are unwilling to go the extra mile to achieve project goals, will not be proactive when working in a team and will take unnecessary sick leave. The opposite is an engaged employee – one who is always committed to the organisation, an inspiration to other workers and highly capable.

Business leaders and those involved in the hiring process need to start thinking about how to attract and create engaged workers, and why exactly they're a necessity.

Understanding the need for engaged workers

Engaged workers can have a profound impact on the organisation, regardless of the sector in which the business operates.

For one, they're going to be enjoying their work far more, which in turn means a lower risk of turnover. This is essential to cut back on hiring expenditures.

In addition, engaged employees won't be at risk of making as many mistakes day-to-day. This is evidenced in a study by Development Dimensions International, which Forbes author Kevin Kruse outlined.

The study found that a Fortune 100 manufacturing company was able to reduce quality errors from 5,658 parts per million to just 52 parts per million simply through use of engaged workers. What's more, another study from the SHRM foundation found that engaged employees were five times less likely to have a safety accident in the workplace than disengaged workers.

It's easy to see the stark difference between engaged and disengaged workers, and why businesses need to start paying attention.

How can a business create engaged workers?

With the benefits of engaged workers plain to see, how exactly can a business start to create and hire them? It's relatively straightforward.

Go2HR explained that it's important to be clear about what is expected from employees, and subsequently provide them with the tools and materials to achieve these goals. The website also explained that it's important to fill the workplace with more engaged workers.

Engage For Success noted that it's a two way street, with organisations needing to work to engage the employee by creating job satisfaction. The staff member in turn is able to offer what they feel is an appropriate level of engagement for the work they're doing.

Businesses need to start thinking about the importance of engaging workers, whether it's through providing education or more opportunities, and how doing so is likely to ensure a more secure bottom line.