In episode 154, Coffey talks with Michele Haugh about employee engagement and how to enhance it within organizations. They discuss the definition of employee engagement; the importance of operationalizing engagement activities; creating a 12-month roadmap for engagement; the necessity of ongoing leadership training and development; integrating company values into employee experiences; the impact of engagement on retention and productivity; and the common mistakes employers make regarding engagement​. Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com. If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com. About our Guest: Michele Haugh is a seasoned HR expert with decades of experience across various roles, from specialist to senior leadership positions. Transitioning from corporate HR to consulting a decade ago, she co-founded EarlyHR solutions, offering strategic support to over 200 early and growth stage organizations. Recognizing the crucial link between employee engagement and organizational success, Michele introduced EarlyEngage, a subscription-based service focusing on professional development and fostering engagement. With a BS in Business and SPHR certification, Michele is close to finishing a graduate degree in HR and Organizational Development. Her passion lies in promoting inclusive practices, positive leadership, and people-first cultures. She is also the founder of CollabHRate, a thriving HR Consulting Community fostering collaboration and education for external consultants. Outside of work, Michele finds joy in her role as a wife and mother to three children. Her adventurous spirit has led her to live in Bangkok, backpack across Europe, and raft through the Grand Canyon. Yet, she equally treasures quiet moments with her pups, indulging in a good book, and hosting gatherings with loved ones. Michele Haugh can be reached at https://www.earlyengage.com  https://www.earlyhrsolutions,.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-haugh-shrm-scp-401722b  https://www.instagram.com/earlyengage About Mike Coffey: Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, human resources professional, licensed private investigator, and HR consultant. In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations firm helping risk-averse companies make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business. Today, Imperative serves hundreds of businesses across the US and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies. Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence and has twice been named HR Professional of the Year. Additionally, Imperative has been named the Texas Association of Business’ small business of the year and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and volunteers with the SHRM Texas State Council. Mike maintains his certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute. He is also a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). Mike lives in Fort Worth with his very patient wife. He practices yoga and maintains a keto diet, about both of which he will gladly tell you way more than you want to know. Learning Objectives: 1. Implement a structured 12-month roadmap for employee engagement initiatives to ensure consistent and effective planning. 2. Integrate company values into all aspects of the employee experience, including recruitment, onboarding, recognition, and accountability. 3. Provide ongoing leadership training and development to e