Whether it’s attracting high-potential candidates or keeping teams aligned with organizational goals, employee engagement is now a business necessity.

The global talent shortage has made it crucial for companies to rethink how they retain and motivate employees. A disengaged workforce leads to high turnover, low productivity, and declining business performance, making engagement a top priority for organizations in Pakistan and beyond.

As Pakistan’s economy grows, job opportunities are increasing, making it more challenging for companies to attract and retain talent. Research confirms that employee engagement directly impacts attrition rates, but a “satisfied” employee isn’t necessarily loyal or high-performing. Organizations must go beyond basic satisfaction to foster real commitment.

Companies that actively monitor engagement understand its role in reducing unhealthy attrition—where top talent leaves, causing brain drain. With workplace loyalty on the decline, engagement is no longer optional; it’s a strategic necessity. 

So, where does Pakistan currently stand on employee engagement? Let’s explore the current landscape and key trends shaping the future.

Source: AIHR

Despite growing awareness, employee engagement remains a challenge for many organizations in Pakistan.

A recent study revealed that only 28% of employees in Pakistan feel engaged at work, with the rest either disengaged or actively looking for better opportunities.

Factors like outdated management styles, lack of career development, and limited recognition contribute to low engagement levels. Here is a review of the employee engagement ratio of Pakistan in public sector.

To stay ahead, companies in Pakistan must align their strategies with evolving workplace trends. Here are the top trends defining employee engagement in 2025:

With workplaces becoming more digital, companies are leveraging engagement survey tools like those offered by Engage Consulting to measure employee sentiment and drive improvements.

Systems used Engage Consulting’s Engagement Survey Tool to measure employee engagement levels and identify a roadmap to improve them. 

Fatima Group benefited from the Engage Consulting Leadership Academy—a combination of educational workshops, individual coaching, and 360-degree assessments—to build stronger leadership and drive employee engagement.

Lucky Core Industries (LCI) utilized Engage Consulting’s engagement surveys to continuously monitor and enhance workplace culture, leading to improved retention and satisfaction.

The shift toward hybrid work models has become a long-term reality, offering employees greater flexibility while maintaining productivity. Industries adopted this approach due to changing workforce expectations post-pandemic and advancements in remote collaboration tools.

Companies like Telenor Pakistan and Jazz have successfully implemented hybrid models, leading to increased employee satisfaction and reduced operational costs. This approach helps organizations attract top talent by providing a better work-life balance, ultimately improving engagement levels.

Employees today are more focused on long-term career growth rather than just job stability. Organizations have realized that stagnant roles lead to disengagement, prompting them to introduce structured learning pathways.

Leading banks like HBL and Meezan Bank have launched leadership development programs and upskilling initiatives to ensure employees feel valued. Companies investing in skill-building and mentorship programs are seeing stronger employee commitment and lower attrition rates.

Companies are increasingly competing to be recognized as the Best Place to Work, demonstrating a stronger commitment to employee engagement. Participating in such awards not only boosts employer branding but also helps organizations benchmark themselves against industry leaders.

Engage Consulting’s Best Place to Work Awards has seen a rise in participation, with companies using engagement surveys to identify gaps and improve their workplace culture. Organizations that invest in recognition programs foster higher morale, attract top talent, and reduce turnover.

With workplaces becoming more digital, companies are leveraging AI-driven platforms, real-time analytics, and engagement tools to enhance employee experience. JS Bank, for instance, introduced the Values App to reinforce company values while assessing employees on core competencies.

By gamifying value-based learning, they created a more interactive and engaging workplace culture, improving both engagement and talent development. Such technology-driven solutions help businesses personalize employee experiences, foster continuous learning, and drive long-term retention.

Companies in Pakistan are recognizing that diverse workplaces foster innovation and stronger teamwork. DEI efforts are no longer just compliance checkboxes; they are crucial for engagement.

Unilever Pakistan and K-Electric have introduced initiatives supporting gender diversity and equal growth opportunities. Inclusive work environments help employees feel respected, leading to better collaboration and retention. Businesses prioritizing DEI see tangible benefits, including higher employee loyalty and brand reputation.

Workplace stress and burnout are major concerns, prompting organizations to take proactive steps in employee wellness. Companies now integrate mental health days, therapy access, and resilience training into their HR policies.

The Bank of Punjab and Nestlé Pakistan have launched well-being programs that focus on stress management and emotional support. Prioritizing mental health leads to a more engaged, motivated workforce, reducing absenteeism and fostering long-term loyalty.

Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping workplace culture and engagement.

Managers who provide regular feedback, recognize achievements, and encourage open communication contribute significantly to employee motivation.

A study shows that employees who receive frequent feedback are 2.7 times more likely to be engaged compared to those who don’t.

Many companies in Pakistan struggle with engagement because they make avoidable mistakes. Here are some key pitfalls to watch out for:

❌ Ignoring Employee Feedback – Employees feel disengaged when their concerns and suggestions are overlooked.

❌ Lack of Career Growth Opportunities – Without development pathways, employees quickly lose motivation.

❌ Rigid Work Policies – Companies that fail to offer flexibility often see higher attrition rates.

❌ Poor Recognition Culture – Employees need to feel valued for their contributions to remain motivated.

If you’re looking to improve engagement in your workplace, follow these practical steps:

✅ Use Engagement Survey Tools – Leverage platforms like Engage Consulting’s Engagement Survey Tool to measure sentiment and track improvements.

✅ Encourage Open Communication – Create an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns.

✅ Invest in Learning & Development – Offer training programs that help employees grow professionally.

✅ Recognize and Reward Achievements – Regularly appreciate employees for their hard work to boost morale.

✅ Foster a Strong Company Culture – Build a workplace where employees feel aligned with the company’s values and mission.

Engage Consulting offers a powerful Employee Engagement Survey Tool designed to enhance workplace satisfaction and loyalty. This tool includes company-wide engagement surveys, helping organizations understand their engagement levels, benchmark themselves against others, and maintain anonymity for authentic feedback. It provides comprehensive insights and custom reports, enabling companies to take targeted actions to improve workplace culture.

Engage Consulting’s engagement model focuses on four key pillars: Growth, Belonging, Alignment, and Future Drive. By leveraging these insights, organizations can foster a thriving workplace culture and drive long-term employee engagement.