The Engagement Equation: Why Culture Can’t Be an Afterthought

Did you know companies with highly engaged employees experience a 23% increase in profitability? That’s according to Harvard Business Review—and it’s one of those statistics that makes you pause.

Because when I hear that, I don’t just think about the financial upside. I think about what it feels like to work in a place where people are engaged—where people care. There’s energy, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose. It’s not something you can fake. And it’s not something that “just happens.”

Recently, we facilitated a virtual session with HR leaders from across industries. The focus? Employee engagement. And the big question that surfaced again and again:

Who’s actually responsible for it?

It’s easy to assume engagement is an HR initiative or that it sits with leadership. But what we uncovered together was this: engagement is a shared responsibility. It’s a reflection of the culture you’ve built—and are building every day.

When people feel seen, supported, and aligned with the mission, they show up differently. They lead differently. They create impact differently.

And that kind of culture doesn’t get built in one team meeting or quarterly offsite. It’s about clarity. Consistency. Coaching. And care.

At Intent, we believe in helping organizations do just that—create environments where people can thrive and lead with purpose. Whether you’re a senior leader rethinking your strategy or an HR professional shaping the employee experience, engagement starts with intention.