Top 10 Employee Engagement Strategies to Keep Your Best Talent
In the 2025 Talent Shortage Survey, it was revealed that 77% of employers in the Asia Pacific region are experiencing challenges in finding skilled talent. What’s alarming is that this figure is even higher than the survey’s reported global average of 74%.
As companies continue to struggle with attracting and retaining talent, the need for strategic employee engagement has become more critical than ever. To quote Culture Amp, an employee experience platform: “Engaged people are emotionally committed to their organisation. These people stay at their organisations longer and are more productive and effective. Successful organisations have more engaged employees.”
However, Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2025 report suggests that engagement levels among Southeast Asia’s workforce are under threat. Only 26% of respondents believe they are engaged at work, while 67% are not engaged—both figures higher than the global averages of 21% and 62%, respectively. What’s more, 47% have expressed their intent to leave their current employment.
With talent scarcity on the rise, employers in the SEA region must go beyond traditional retention efforts. Strengthening employee engagement is no longer optional—it’s a business imperative. To stay competitive and build high-performing teams, companies must understand what truly drives connection, satisfaction, and loyalty in the workplace.
Here are the top employee engagement strategies to help retain your best talent.
1. Uphold respect for cultural diversity
Southeast Asia is a culturally diverse region with various languages, customs, and values influencing how people work. Employers that respect and incorporate local traditions, celebrate regional holidays, and foster inclusivity help employees feel seen and valued. In 2025, creating a culturally aware environment is not only for compliance’s sake but it’s also essential for meaningful engagement.
2. Offer career development opportunities
Many employees across the region—especially younger professionals—are motivated by growth. In PwC’s Asia Pacific Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey 2024, 78% of respondents believe that learning opportunities can influence their decision to stay or leave the company. Offering structured learning, mentorship programs, and chances for internal mobility shows employees that your company is invested in their long-term success.
3. Provide flexible work arrangements
A recent study by PwC indicated that an overwhelming 90% of the workforce from the Asia Pacific region would prefer remote or hybrid work arrangements. While preferences vary across countries, the desire for autonomy is universal. Whether it’s flexible hours, partial remote work, or output-based expectations, giving employees more control over their work-life balance goes a long way in boosting satisfaction and loyalty.
4. Train and transform managers into supportive leaders
In Southeast Asia, where traditional hierarchies can still shape workplace dynamics, developing strong, supportive leadership can significantly improve engagement outcomes. Gallup reports that managers influence up to 70% of the factors driving employee engagement. With such a pivotal role, managers should also be trained not just in technical skills but in how to lead with empathy, communicate clearly, and support team wellbeing.
5. Recognise big and small contributions
From verbal praise to digital shout-outs on social media or team awards, recognising your employees’ efforts reinforces positive behaviour and boosts morale. When acknowledging their accomplishments, make sure it’s timely, meaningful, and aligned with what matters to your employees.
6. Implement holistic employee wellbeing initiatives
Aside from company benefits relating to physical health, employees are looking for support in areas like mental health, financial stability, and stress management. Offering access to counselling, wellbeing programs, flexible leave, or financial education shows that your company cares about the whole person beyond their output as employees.
7. Maintain transparency in internal communications
Keep employees informed about company decisions and important business updates, celebrate wins, and encourage two-way feedback. Use clear, culturally sensitive messaging—especially in multilingual environments—to ensure everyone feels included and heard.
8. Walk the talk
Gen Z and millennials are rapidly making up the Southeast Asian workforce. They want more than just a paycheck. They want to work for companies that align with their values. Whether it’s sustainability, social responsibility, or innovation, show how your organisation — and how the time and talent of your staff — can contribute to something bigger to deepen engagement and pride in the workplace.
9. Gather data to improve engagement
Use surveys, feedback tools, and analytics to understand their needs, then act on the insights. Data-driven engagement allows you to customise your organisation’s initiatives more effectively, making employees feel that their feedback genuinely helps improve company culture and workplace environment.
10. Encourage cross-collaboration
Cross-functional collaboration encourages learning and connection. This gives your employees the opportunity to broaden their work experience, expand their exposure, and be part of a bigger mission.
Attract excellent talent in the SEA region with a trustworthy headhunting company
The future of work in Southeast Asia belongs to companies that can attract the right people and keep them inspired to grow. Employee engagement plays a central role in that mission, and it starts with finding the right talent.
As a reliable recruitment agency in Thailand and Vietnam, ASW Consulting supports this by working closely with your company to strengthen your workforce. We develop effective, tailored hiring strategies based on a deep understanding of your organisation’s needs and insights into the job market. These strategies are implemented to recruit high-quality candidates across the SEA region through our expansive talent network.
Contact us through our talent acquisition specialists in Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City. Let’s build teams that are fully engaged with your company culture and your business goals.
Related blogs:
Building Better Leaders: Tips on Modern Leadership in the Southeast Asian Workplace
How to Attract Top Talent in Southeast Asia’s Competitive Job Market
Thriving Through Change: A Guide for Thai Professionals
