Best Practices for Improving Employee Engagement in 2025

Employee engagement is at the heart of every thriving business. In 2025, the way organizations connect with their teams will need to reflect evolving expectations—like a desire for more personalization, growth opportunities, and meaningful recognition. It’s not just about policies or programs; it’s about how people feel. This blog explores five strategies to build stronger connections, increase motivation, and keep employees engaged throughout the year. 

Real-Time Feedback: Turning Conversations into Connections 

The days of once-a-year performance reviews are behind us. Employees now expect feedback in the moment—whether it’s a quick check-in, a thank-you for a job well done, or constructive guidance. Real-time feedback builds trust, promotes alignment, and reinforces that their work matters right now—not months later. 

Companies that embrace continuous feedback loops report higher employee satisfaction and lower turnover rates. Regular conversations help managers address challenges early, celebrate successes, and keep everyone on the same page. 

Keep continuous feedback flowing with tools like pulse surveys, team collaboration platforms, or personal recognition notes. A simple “Thank you for going the extra mile” at just the right moment can spark a lasting connection. 

Patrick McCullough, President of Hallmark Business Connections, emphasizes this approach, noting the profound impact of small gestures on employee morale. He shares: 

 

Make It Personal: Recognition That Speaks to the Individual 

Nobody wants to feel like just another name on a list. Employees want to know their efforts are seen and valued in ways that feel personal to them. According to employee engagement firm Quantum Workplace, workers who feel their success will be recognized are 2.7 times more likely to be highly engaged than those who don’t. Whether it’s a birthday, work anniversary, or individual achievement, personalized recognition shows you truly care.  

Some organizations honor veterans with military appreciation cards on Veterans Day. Some send thank-you cards in multiple languages to ensure every employee feels included and appreciated, no matter where they are. For example, offering cards in Spanish, Mandarin, or other languages commonly spoken in your workforce reflects a thoughtful effort to acknowledge diverse cultural backgrounds. This practice reinforces a sense of belonging and demonstrates that your organization values employees as individuals. It’s not just a nice gesture—it’s a strategic move to foster inclusion, boost morale, and strengthen employee loyalty in a globally connected workplace. 

Hallmark’s automated mailing service ensures every recognition moment feels personal, without adding to your workload. By simplifying the process, you can create heartfelt connections that boost engagement and loyalty—proving that recognition doesn’t have to be complicated to be impactful. 

Robbin Champaigne, VP of Human Relations at Hallmark Business Connections, emphasizes the importance of building a culture where employees feel genuinely valued and connected.  

 

Empowering Employees Through Autonomy and Growth 

In 2025, employees want more than job security—they want opportunities to grow, make meaningful decisions, and feel empowered in their roles. Organizations that foster autonomy and invest in professional development see higher engagement and long-term loyalty. When employees feel trusted to manage their work and supported in their growth, they connect more deeply with the organization’s success. 

Autonomy goes beyond flexible schedules. It’s about giving employees the freedom to make meaningful decisions and take ownership of their work. When paired with clear growth opportunities—like mentorship programs, cross-functional projects, or upskilling initiatives—this creates an environment where employees feel motivated to thrive. 

Encourage managers to coach rather than micromanage. Celebrate progress with small, meaningful touchpoints, such as handwritten notes recognizing personal achievements. 

To understand how organizations can empower employees, we spoke with Mark Sanborn, a renowned leadership expert and bestselling author. With over 30 years of experience, Mark highlights the importance of trust and purposeful growth in building inspiring workplace cultures. Here are his insights: 

 

By fostering autonomy and pairing it with purposeful guidance, organizations can empower employees to take ownership of their growth and contribute meaningfully to their roles. 

Well-Being: Supporting the Whole Person, Not Just the Employee 

Employee engagement and well-being are closely intertwined. When employees feel supported mentally, emotionally, and physically, they show up fully engaged. Well-being isn’t just about offering gym memberships—it’s about fostering a culture where people feel cared for and supported every day. A report by the American Psychological Association reveals that in organizations where employees don’t view leadership as invested in their well-being, only 17% would recommend the company as a good place to work. Companies that support mental health see measurable improvements in engagement, productivity, and retention. From flexible mental health days to wellness stipends, businesses are getting creative in how they care for their employees. 

Some organizations have successfully acknowledged mental health with simple, personalized cards. A thoughtful note like, 'We appreciate everything you’ve been doing—please take some time for yourself,' can remind employees that their well-being is a priority. Small, personalized gestures like these not only show empathy but also contribute to a healthier, more engaged workplace culture. Hallmark’s tools make it simple to weave well-being into your everyday employee engagement strategy. 

Purpose-Driven Engagement: Aligning Work with Meaning 

People want more than a paycheck—they want purpose. Employees are more engaged when they align with their company’s values and feel connected to a purpose larger than themselves. In addition, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives play a key role in fostering a sense of belonging across teams. 

Organizations that prioritize purpose-driven work and robust DEI efforts are more likely to attract and retain talent. 

Employees are more engaged when they align with their organization’s mission and values, and when they see a real commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Companies that cultivate purpose-driven cultures and foster inclusion see improved engagement, retention, and overall performance. 

One way businesses can make DEI initiatives tangible is through meaningful gestures that celebrate diversity within their workforce. For example, organizations are increasingly using Hallmark’s Mahogany collection, which offers culturally relevant cards that reflect and honor the experiences of Black employees. Sending cards that align with key moments—whether it’s Black History Month or Juneteenth—helps employees feel recognized and included in a way that goes beyond words. 

By integrating DEI efforts into everyday recognition practices, companies signal that inclusion is not just a buzzword but a deeply held value. Personalized outreach, combined with meaningful cultural touchpoints, ensures employees feel connected to the organization’s mission and appreciated for who they are.

Top Takeaways for 2025: 

• Real-time feedback builds trust and keeps employees aligned. 

• Personalized recognition strengthens morale and fosters connection. 

• Frequent, meaningful touchpoints create lasting engagement. 

• Supporting well-being fosters a culture where employees thrive. 

• Purpose-driven work and DEI initiatives cultivate belonging and meaning. 

Building a Thriving Workforce in 2025 

Employee engagement in 2025 isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about creating meaningful connections that resonate with your team. When organizations focus on personalizing recognition, empowering employees, and supporting well-being, they build stronger connections and see better business outcomes. Hallmark Business Connections makes it easy to turn everyday moments into opportunities for connection. From customized cards to automated outreach, we help you celebrate, support, and inspire your team in meaningful ways. Because when it comes to employee engagement, the smallest gestures often have the biggest impact.