To keep employees engaged, the most effective approach is to

• A. grant special privileges to high performers
• B. create in each person a sense of his or her importance in the job overall
• C. request their advice on all important matters
• D. constantly bring up new matters

Answer: (B)

Engagement comes from people feeling that their work matters and that their contributions have real value in the bigger picture. When each person senses that their role is important in the overall mission, they experience meaning and purpose, which fuels intrinsic motivation, pride in their work, and a willingness to invest extra effort. This sense of significance helps employees stay connected, committed, and resilient in the face of daily tasks.

That’s why highlighting the importance of each person’s work is the most effective approach. It builds a sense of ownership and belonging, improves morale, and strengthens alignment with organizational goals, leading to more sustained engagement over time. In contrast, granting special privileges for some can create unfairness, asking advice on every major issue can overwhelm decision-making, and constantly introducing new matters can lead to change fatigue—none of which sustains engagement as effectively as helping individuals feel their work is meaningful.