Employee engagement in the US and Globally is surprisingly low. According to Gallup, only 23% of employees worldwide feel engaged at work. Work is where most of us spend most of our time. To have 77% of people worldwide disengaged from their work is quite a big deal! In addition to the impact this has on the unengaged individual, the broader consequences of disengagement are significant: lower productivity, higher turnover, and a lack of innovation.
So why is engagement so elusive? And more importantly, what can we do about it?
At OneUpOneDown, we believe that disengagement stems from a deeper issue: a lack of connection—to oneself, to others, and a greater purpose.
Mentorship is a powerful way to initiate the pathway to a greater sense of connection, especially in a work context. As well as deepening a sense of connection, it aligns with the development of specific skills that help people to become more effective in their roles. It’s a win-win for all involved – industry, employer and employee.
Let’s dive into the connection-engagement link, and why organisations and industry need to be investing in mentorship to improve engagement.
The Connection-Engagement Link
Engagement is often described as an employee’s emotional commitment to their work and workplace. But commitment doesn’t appear in a vacuum. It arises from a sense of meaning, belonging, and growth—all of which require strong connections.
Connection to Self AND PURPOSE
Individuals who feel aligned with their personal and professional purpose are more motivated and resilient. Yet, many struggle to see how their day-to-day tasks fit into a larger, meaningful picture. Mentorship provides guidance and clarity, helping individuals uncover their strengths, aspirations, and the impact they can create.
CONNECTION TO OTHERS
Relationships are critical to engagement. Employees and industry professionals who have strong, supportive relationships with colleagues, mentors, or sponsors are more likely to feel valued and motivated.
According to Gallup, employees with mentor or sponsor support are twice as likely to be engaged and 98% more likely to strongly recommend their organization or industry as a great place to work.
CONNECTION TO A GREATER FORCE
Whether it’s an organization’s mission, an industry-wide initiative, a community, or a deeper sense of purpose, individuals are more engaged when they feel part of something bigger than themselves. Mentorship provides a structured way to reinforce shared goals and align participants with a larger vision. It fosters a culture of care and compassion, emphasizing that personal and collective growth are deeply interconnected. By moving beyond transactional interactions, mentorship creates space for meaningful discussions on personal development and long-term impact.
The Case for Mentorship in Organizations and Industries
Research shows that mentorship is one of the most effective engagement strategies. As outlined in our business case, organizations and industry bodies that invest in structured mentorship programs experience:
- Higher engagement levels – Employees and industry professionals with mentors report greater job satisfaction, motivation, and commitment.
- Improved retention rates – Mentorship increases retention by up to 69%, reducing the high costs of turnover.
- Greater skill development – Mentored individuals gain both technical and soft skills faster, enhancing their contributions to their organizations and industries.
- Stronger leadership pipelines – Mentorship cultivates leadership potential, ensuring organizations and industries are prepared for future growth.
This is why 98% of Fortune 500 companies and leading industry bodies have formal mentoring programs. They recognize that engaged employees and industry members drive long-term success, and mentorship is one of the simplest, most cost-effective ways to achieve it.
‘Best Practice Organisations’, as defined by Gallup, have an engagement rate of 70%, over 3x the global average. Here’s why, according to Gallup’s research:
- They integrate engagement into every stage of their employee and manager lifecycle.
- They promote well-being – caring about the individual both at work and in life.
- They prioritize communication and listening strategies.
ONEUPONEDOWN – Making Mentorship Accessible and Impactful for Industries and Organizations
Despite its proven benefits, many organizations and industry bodies hesitate to implement mentorship programs due to concerns about time, cost, and complexity. That’s where OneUpOneDown comes in.
Our platform removes the common barriers to mentorship by automating the process from matchmaking to match management, feedback collection, and communication handling. This means organizations and industry bodies can scale mentorship effortlessly, without the administrative burden.
For as little as $33 per participant per year, organizations and industries can:
✅ Ensure high-quality mentor-mentee matches ✅ Provide structured, goal-oriented mentorship experiences ✅ Build a culture of continuous learning and connection ✅ Empower employees and industry professionals to take charge of their growth and engagement.
The Future of Engagement in Work and Industry
Engagement isn’t just about perks, pay raises, or performance reviews. It’s about helping people feel connected—to their work, to their colleagues, to their industry, and to a shared purpose. Organizations and industry bodies that prioritize connection will not only see improved engagement but also greater innovation, loyalty, and long-term success.
OneUpOneDown For Organisations
We work with organisations and communities to realise untapped potential in their network, drive engagement and support women through relevant 1:1 mentorship relationships.
OneUpOneDown’s technology and team manage the full match-making and management process, removing massive amounts of administration work and providing specific expertise so your program has a long-lasting impact on participants.
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