Frustration to Fulfillment #3: Why Engagement Isn't Enough

Engagement is a hot word - many organizations do what they can to build engagement. Yet,

frustration is widespread: It shows up as fatigue, disengagement, or quiet dissatisfaction, even among competent and engaged employees. The problem is Engagement ≠ Fulfillment: Engagement keeps people interested for a while, but only fulfillment sustains them long-term. Fulfillment = Alignment: It emerges when people’s strengths, values, and contributions connect to meaningful outcomes.

The Data That Matters

• Only 21% of employees worldwide are engaged in their work. Nearly 80% are disengaged or frustrated (Gallup, 2025).
• Disengagement costs the global economy $8.9 trillion annually — about 9% of global GDP (Gallup, 2025).
• 70% of employees don’t believe their leaders create a culture where they can thrive (Deloitte, 2023).
• 1 in 3 workers say their workplace harms their mental health (American Psychological Association, 2024).
• Employees who find their work meaningful are 70% less likely to experience burnout (Gallup, 2024).
• Employees who feel they can use their strengths at work are 57% less likely to quit (Deloitte, 2023).

What can we do about all of this? Pay attention to Fulfillment and do what you can to build it. How? That's what we talk about in today's episode - Eye of Power style.