How to Kill Employee Engagement in 10 Words or Less – A Masterclass in Disengagement

For 17 years, I was a highly engaged employee, loyal, passionate, and fully committed to company ABC. I had a manager who truly valued my contributions, supported my growth, and made me feel like a vital part of the team. Unfortunately, he passed away. Then came his replacement—let’s call this manager John. John had a very different approach to leadership, and he made that crystal clear the day I enthusiastically made a recommendation. His response?

"Elga, thank you for your advice. If I need it, I will ask you for it. No need for you to provide it if I have not asked you."

And just like that, my engagement took a nosedive. A single sentence erased years of dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment.

The benefits of an engaged workforce are undeniable: higher retention, increased productivity, and a culture that attracts top talent. Employees who feel valued go above and beyond because they believe their voice matters. But when leaders dismiss ideas or fail to acknowledge contributions, they send a clear message,"Your input isn’t wanted here." And just like that, an engaged employee becomes a disengaged one. When a simple “Thank you for the suggestion” could have fostered collaboration, a condescending remark does the opposite.

The consequences of disengagement are costly. Employees who feel ignored or unappreciated don’t just lose enthusiasm, they disengage mentally long before they submit their two weeks’ notice. Productivity drops, collaboration weakens, and instead of employees bringing their best, they do the bare minimum. Worse, disengagement spreads like wildfire. One employee loses motivation, then another, and before you know it, the entire culture shifts from thriving to surviving. All because a manager failed to recognize that engagement isn’t just about tasks—it’s about trust.

Sustaining engagement isn’t difficult. It doesn’t require grand gestures or expensive perks. Sometimes, all it takes is listening, acknowledging, and fostering an environment where employees feel heard. A simple “I appreciate that idea” or “Thank you for your input” can be the difference between an employee staying invested or mentally checking out. Leaders who understand this create workplaces where employees feel empowered to contribute, rather than afraid of being dismissed.

So, to all the leaders out there, remember: your words carry weight. If you want to see disengagement happen in real-time, try shutting down an enthusiastic employee. But if you’re serious about building a thriving workforce, make engagement a priority. Acknowledge, recognize, and appreciate contributions—because when you don’t, you’re not just rejecting ideas, you’re killing passion. And once it’s gone, good luck getting it back.

Elga Lejarza

Founder & CEO

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