A recent trend in employee engagement seems to indicate a growing focus on what can be described as the ‘finishing touches’ on an engaging workplace (e.g. perks such as food, social nights, bring your pet to work etc), rather than on the actual drivers of engagement.  It seems like there is a hurry to do something popular and visible, but ultimately not very engaging.

To make the finishing touches effective requires clear leadership, communication, values, meaningful work and employees who genuinely feel valued and recognised etc.

Are we in danger of rushing to the end result without doing the more sustainable and engaging groundwork along the way?  Interested in your thoughts.