How to Make Your Employees Your Strongest Weapon for 2025

Most business owners I meet right now are experiencing mixed feelings about what lies ahead. Naturally, some have had a better year than others, but either way there seems to be a growing air of uncertainty, and it’s hard to ignore that we face some global social, economic, and political unknowns. In times of uncertainty, leaders often get caught up in the noise and react by focusing exclusively on external pressures. However, instead, you need to concentrate on controlling the controllables, and one of the most important things is being proactive about engaging your staff. 

Employee engagement is not a “nice-to-have” or something you should turn your attention to once external pressures ease. It is essential for strong business performance in all market landscapes.

The main reason for low employee engagement is when team members don’t feel valued or that their opinions are being heard by senior leadership. When people can’t voice their concerns, they quickly become disengaged. Some people are less willing to speak up in front of authority figures, and this is why taking the time to understand individuals’ communication styles and encouraging a culture of open communication is so important for everyone’s benefit and the benefit of the business as a whole.

When team members feel valued, heard, and belonging to a shared purpose, they are more likely to stay with the company and become positive ambassadors, significantly enhancing your reputation. On the flip side, when employees don’t feel any of these things they become disengaged, demotivated, unproductive and more likely to share their negative feelings about the business.

Clearly then, if your workforce is engaged i.e. more productive, creative, and committed to the company’s goals, the tough times will be far easier to handle and their support will be crucial for you to navigate hurdles and emerge stronger on the other side. The benefits will not only be felt internally, your customers will notice the difference and their satisfaction will also increase.

Shifting the mindset of leaders

When the pressure mounts, business leaders need to move from thinking, “how do I get results?” to asking “how can I help my team succeed?” By becoming enablers rather than top-down decision-makers, they create a ripple effect of trust, collaboration, and empowerment. Consider these strategies to create a culture where your staff stay firmly on your side.

1. Allow & Encourage Two Way Feedback 

Your team must know that their voice matters and they can make a difference as individuals. Create opportunities for feedback through small group discussions, or anonymous surveys to gather honest feedback. Most importantly, act on what you hear, share how those insights have shaped decisions and/or share feedback about why some things are not achievable. It’s not about accepting everything they ask for, but showing people that you value their input. This approach builds trust and demonstrates that you are prepared listen. It also helps your team to understand the realities and complexities of the business, which is important in turbulent times.

2. Recognise and Celebrate Contributions

Everyone likes to be recognised for doing something good because we all have a basic human need to feel valued. Recognition is one of the easiest (and most cost-effective) ways to boost engagement. Celebrate both the big wins and everyday efforts. Publicly recognising someone’s impact, whether in a team meeting or via a simple thank-you email, reinforces their value, it doesn’t have to be a grand gesture or tied to financial reward.

3. Lead by Example 

Leaders set the tone. If you want open communication, be transparent about your challenges and decisions. If collaboration is a priority, engage actively with teams and foster cross-functional projects. When employees see leadership living the values, it inspires them to follow suit.

4. Take your team on the journey with you

This can be as simple as sharing the vision of the company, helping them understand the mission and making it clear that they are part of building something. Share the bigger picture with them, rather only discussing the operational tasks they are there to deliver.

When you invest in your people, they invest in your business; this is where true stability lies, not in short-term solutions that are meant to weather the storm.

About the author

Shelley Bosworth is an international business and mindset coach and the founder of Shelley Bosworth Coaching. She helps leaders to master their mindset so they can stop standing in their own way and achieve their personal and professional goals.