In this episode of Uncover the Human, Cristina and Alex take a candid look at the challenges and misconceptions around employee engagement, especially the reliance on large-scale surveys. They question the accuracy and usefulness of engagement metrics when trust and psychological safety are low, noting that survey responses are shaped by fleeting emotions, personal context, and fear of speaking openly. Engagement, they argue, is an outcome—not a metric—and real insight comes from observing daily interactions, noticing shifts in behavior, and understanding the “why” behind disengagement. They stress that numbers without follow-up action are meaningless, and that true engagement work happens in real time, not in quarterly reports.
Throughout the conversation, they emphasize that improving engagement requires curiosity, ongoing observation, and micro-level interventions rather than blanket initiatives. The hosts share examples of organizations missing the root cause of disengagement by jumping to surface-level fixes, and highlight the contagious nature of both engagement and disengagement. They encourage leaders to equip managers with the skills to recognize psychological safety, address underlying issues, and act with intention—always remembering that the goal is not a higher score, but a more connected, committed, and energized workplace.
