Research by employee experience experts Qualtrics, suggests creating a greater ‘sense of belonging’ and ‘wellbeing’ will be this year’s key drivers of employee engagement.

According to a study of more than 11,800 full-time employees conducted in 20 different countries, the top engagement drivers have shifted significantly during the pandemic. At the start of last year, confidence in leadership and opportunities for growth and development were most critical; but as businesses emerge into a post-COVID world, creating a sense of belonging and a sense of pride in a company’s purpose are seen as key.

Analysis by Qualtrics suggests employees who feel like they belong, are 3.5 times more likely to be engaged at work than those who don’t. As a result, HR leaders are being encouraged to boost efforts to foster a greater sense of belonging amongst their workforce, particularly those who are working remotely.

Qualtrics also believe that wellbeing initiatives are set to become an increasingly essential part of the HR toolkit, both in terms of attracting and retaining staff. They predict that firms demonstrating strong support for employee wellbeing – be that physical health, mental health, financial wellbeing, social wellbeing and occupational wellbeing – are likely to thrive in 2021.