The importance of DISC for employee engagement

KONA and HBB Group’s communication training can have a significant positive impact on staff retention, particularly by improving workplace relationships, employee engagement, and overall job satisfaction.

In fact, research from Gallup has shown that organisations with high employee engagement experience 59% lower turnover rates compared to those with lower engagement.

Communication training often leads to better engagement by fostering clearer, more effective communication across teams, which can enhance employee morale and motivation. Another Gallup study found that 74% of employees who feel they are not receiving enough communication from their managers are more likely to leave their job.

Improved communication training can increase job satisfaction by up to 32%. When employees feel they can openly communicate and collaborate with colleagues and managers, they are more likely to report satisfaction in their roles, which contributes to greater retention.

Poor communication is responsible for up to 86% of workplace failures. Communication training can reduce conflicts and misunderstandings, which lowers turnover rates. A study from Clear Company found that companies with effective communication programs are 4.5 times more likely to retain their best employees.

Effective communication between employees and managers is crucial for retention. Employees who rate their manager’s communication as high-quality are 70% less likely to leave their jobs.

Over 40% of employees who do not feel they receive sufficient training leave within the first year. Communication training specifically addresses one of the most critical skill gaps and can help reduce the likelihood of early turnover.

Communication training programs in key accounts management (KAM), customer service, sales training, leadership development and coaching have been shown to reduce turnover by 20-25%, in many industries who rely on human interaction as these industries rely heavily on clear, empathetic, and concise communication skills.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to keeping your team engaged. Each person brings a unique mix of personality traits, communication styles, and motivators to the table. That’s where DISC can become a game-changer in the workplace, giving managers and team members a common language to understand each other better.

And here’s the best part: DISC isn’t just about improving communication. It can also boost staff engagement, satisfaction, and team cohesion.

Understanding DISC: The Basics

DISC breaks down personality styles into four main types:

D for Dominance – Driven, results-oriented individuals who love to take charge.

I for Influence – Outgoing, social types who thrive on interaction and enthusiasm.

S for Steadiness – Reliable and patient, these individuals value stability and teamwork.

C for Compliance – Detail-oriented, analytical thinkers who love accuracy and organisation.

Each style has its strengths, and understanding these can help managers engage their team in ways that resonate.

Why DISC Matters for Engagement

Here’s why DISC is a powerful tool for engaging your team on a deeper level:

1. Tailored Communication

One of the top reasons employees disengage is poor communication. Using DISC, managers can tailor their communication to match each employee’s style.

For example:

Dominance types respond well to concise, goal-focused interactions. They appreciate a direct approach and want to know how they can make an impact.
Influence types need energy and positivity in their interactions. They’ll be most engaged if they feel connected and appreciated.
Steadiness types value a calm, steady environment and appreciate personal recognition and team collaboration.
Compliance types appreciate structure, facts, and clarity. They’ll be most engaged when they feel their need for precision and accuracy is respected.

By recognising and responding to these preferences, managers can create a more comfortable environment for each type, reducing misunderstandings and fostering respect.

2. Building Trust and Respect

When employees feel understood, they’re more likely to trust their managers and each other. Healthy Business Builder’s DISC profiling can give everyone insights into why their colleagues think, act, and respond in certain ways. This knowledge builds empathy and mutual respect, especially between differing styles, which can often clash without understanding.

For instance, a Dominance type might feel frustrated by a Compliance type’s need for details, while the Compliance type might see the Dominance type as rushing through things. With DISC, they gain the tools to appreciate each other’s strengths, turning potential friction into teamwork.

3. Boosting Morale Through Recognition of Strengths

DISC helps managers spot and utilise each person’s strengths. When people’s natural skills are recognised and tapped into, they’re more likely to feel valued and stay engaged.

Dominance types often shine in leadership roles and challenges.
Influence types are great for roles involving collaboration or customer engagement.
Steadiness types excel in supportive roles and keeping harmony in the team.
Compliance types bring a level of precision and expertise that’s invaluable in analytical tasks.

4. Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement

By implementing DISC in team development, you create an ongoing culture of learning and improvement. When employees better understand their own style, they become more self-aware and can adapt their behaviours to work more effectively with others. Over time, this strengthens the team, as everyone learns how to bring their best selves to work.

Bringing DISC into Your Team Culture

Incorporating DISC doesn’t need to be a complex process.

Here are a few simple ways to start:
Training sessions: Start with a DISC workshop or training to introduce the concept and help everyone find their style.
One-on-one coaching: Managers can use DISC insights to coach employees based on their strengths and motivators.
Regular check-ins: Incorporate DISC-based questions in one-on-ones or team meetings to keep the conversation going and address any challenges or frictions.

Ultimately, DISC helps build an environment where employees feel seen and valued for who they truly are. By creating this understanding, you not only improve communication but also create an atmosphere where every team member feels engaged, respected, and motivated.

Healthy Business Builder’s DISC Profiling and Debrief Workshops are unlike anything you may have experienced before. They are knowledge rich and activity high (even virtually). Additionally, you finish with an instruction manual for life!