It’s a nice Monday morning and you are in a meeting at your office, where the company's latest achievements and upcoming projects are discussed with enthusiasm. 

But among the sea of smiles, there's one employee who seems disinterested, just mindlessly scrolling down on his phone. 

As an HR manager, you know that such disengagement can be detrimental to both the individual and the organisation. 

The last time you encountered a similar situation, it ended up with the employee leaving the company, recruited by a rival organization. 

Active disengagement in the office is not uncommon. In fact, research by US analytics firm Gallup showed that only 32% of the 67,000 employees surveyed in 2022 were engaged at work.

This is the lowest employee engagement rate they have recorded since 2015.

According to Gallup's recent State of the Workplace report, a significant proportion of employees are not fully engaged in their work. Specifically, 85% of employees are either unengaged or actively disengaged.

Read: How to inspire your team

Understanding workplace indifference

Indifference in the workplace can manifest for various reasons, and recognising these factors is the first step toward addressing the issue. 

For one, the employee might not feel a strong sense of connection to the company's mission, values, or culture. This disconnection can lead to a lack of enthusiasm for company activities.

It may also happen when an employee's expectations don't align with their actual experiences at the workplace. This can occur when promises made during the hiring process aren't fulfilled.

Some individuals, meanwhile, are naturally introverted or reserved, which can make them appear indifferent, even if they are genuinely interested in their work.

It’s important to know why an employee doesn’t seem to be interested in creating the proper solutions. 

Read;: 5 ways a ‘super app’ can revolutionise your employees' experience

Why addressing disengaged employees matters

Indifferent employees are more likely to leave the organisation in search of a more engaging work environment. High turnover rates can be costly and disruptive.

Engaged employees are more productive and innovative. On the flipside, ignoring indifference can lead to missed opportunities for improvement and growth.

An indifferent team member can dampen team spirit and morale. Addressing the issue can boost the overall atmosphere in the workplace.

Read: Can gamifying employee engagement improve retention?

Strategies for engaging ‘indifferent’ employees

Create a personalised development plan

One way to engage indifferent employees is by offering personalised development plans. Take the time to sit down with the employee and discuss their career goals, strengths, and areas for improvement.

Tailor growth opportunities that align with their interests and aspirations. This not only shows that you care about their professional development but also helps them see a clear path within the organization.

Foster inclusive communication

Introverted employees may struggle to voice their opinions or concerns. 

Foster a culture of inclusive communication by regularly checking in with them and providing opportunities for them to express themselves. 

Encourage open dialogue during team meetings and one-on-one sessions. Ensure that they feel heard and valued within the organization.

Recognise and reward contributions

Recognising and rewarding an employee's contributions can go a long way in boosting engagement. Even introverted individuals need validation for their hard work. 

Implement an employee recognition program that acknowledges their efforts, whether through praise, awards, or promotions. This not only boosts their morale but also sets a positive example for the entire team.

Encourage skill-based team collaborations

Indifferent employees may possess unique skills or expertise that go unnoticed due to their reserved nature. 

Encourage skill-based team collaborations to showcase their strengths. Pair them with colleagues who have complementary skills, allowing them to shine in areas where they excel. 

This not only boosts their confidence but also demonstrates the value they bring to the team, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.

Turning indifference to engagement is not impossible

Engaging an indifferent or introverted employee doesn't have to be a daunting task. By understanding the root causes of indifference, recognizing its importance, and implementing tailored strategies, HR managers can win the hearts of even the most disengaged team members. 

The result? A more motivated, productive, and satisfied workforce, which ultimately benefits both the employees and the organisation. 

Remember, the key is to show that you value each employee as an individual and are committed to their growth and success within the company. 

With these strategies, you can transform indifference into enthusiasm and create a thriving workplace for all.