Employee engagement is crucial for organizations that aim to boost productivity, foster a positive work culture, and retain top talent. In an era where remote and hybrid work models are the norm, leaders need fresh ideas and actionable strategies to keep employees motivated and engaged. One of the most efficient ways to stay updated on employee engagement trends is by listening to podcasts. They’re convenient, insightful, and bring experts right to your ears. To help you get started, here are the best employee engagement podcasts you should listen to in 2025.

1. The Employee Engagement Awards Podcast

Hosted by Matt Manners, this podcast series is dedicated to showcasing organizations and leaders that are making significant strides in employee engagement. Matt brings in a diverse array of guests from top-performing organizations and focuses on the “what” and “how” of employee engagement practices.

Key Takeaways

• Case Studies: The podcast features real-world examples of companies implementing successful engagement strategies.
• Leadership Insights: Experts share how they approach leadership to inspire and engage their teams.
• Practical Tips: The discussions often include tips for HR managers and team leaders to better connect with their employees.

Why You Should Listen

Matt’s interview style is engaging and to the point, ensuring listeners get actionable insights. This podcast is ideal for HR professionals, leaders, and business owners who want to learn from award-winning organizations.

2. WorkLife with Adam Grant

Adam Grant is a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author. In his podcast, WorkLife, he explores how we can make work not just bearable, but enjoyable and fulfilling. Grant takes listeners on a journey through various workplaces, discussing the complexities of organizational behavior and employee engagement.

Key Takeaways

• Psychological Insights: Adam blends psychology with work culture, offering unique perspectives on motivation, fairness, and productivity.
• Storytelling Approach: Episodes are narrated through real-life stories, giving them a relatable and engaging tone.
• Science-Backed Practices: Each episode dives deep into data-driven strategies to help you understand the human side of work.

Why You Should Listen

Adam’s credentials speak for themselves. His content is heavily researched, making this podcast a goldmine of information on how to better engage employees.

3. The Culture Code Podcast

This podcast is an offshoot of Daniel Coyle’s bestselling book The Culture Code. Hosted by Coyle himself, The Culture Code Podcast explores the underlying principles that make teams successful. The episodes dive into concepts like building safety, sharing vulnerability, and establishing purpose.

Key Takeaways

• Team Dynamics: Learn how to cultivate strong bonds within teams.
• Trust and Vulnerability: Understand why these elements are key to fostering engagement.
• Purpose and Mission: Discover ways to align employees’ individual goals with organizational missions.

Why You Should Listen

If you’re a fan of The Culture Code or are keen on improving team dynamics, this podcast will provide deep insights into establishing an engaging work culture.

4. The Modern Manager

Hosted by Mamie Kanfer Stewart, The Modern Manager offers advice for managers who want to build strong and engaged teams. Mamie’s experience as an entrepreneur and leadership coach lends credibility to her practical tips and techniques.

Key Takeaways

• Modern Leadership Skills: Learn about new-age leadership practices that focus on empathy and inclusivity.
• Team Engagement: Mamie shares how to create a work environment where employees feel valued and motivated.
• Productivity Tools: Episodes include discussions about digital tools that can help managers engage their remote teams.

Why You Should Listen

With its focus on practical leadership skills, this podcast is ideal for new and seasoned managers who want to enhance their team’s engagement and productivity.

5. Engaging Leader Podcast

Hosted by Jesse Lahey, the Engaging Leader Podcast delves into the art of effective leadership communication. Jesse focuses on how leaders can communicate effectively to foster a more engaged workforce.

Key Takeaways

• Effective Communication: Learn how clear and empathetic communication can boost engagement.
• Leadership Techniques: Gain insights into leadership styles that resonate with employees.
• Storytelling in Leadership: Understand the power of storytelling in driving engagement and inspiring action.

Why You Should Listen

Jesse’s experience in consulting for Fortune 500 companies brings credibility to his podcast, making it essential listening for leaders at all levels.

6. The Talent Development Hot Seat

Hosted by Andy Storch, this podcast is perfect for leaders and talent development professionals looking to deepen their understanding of employee engagement. The Talent Development Hot Seat features guest speakers from top organizations, focusing on topics like leadership development, learning, and employee experience.

Key Takeaways

• Learning and Development: Understand how training and career development contribute to engagement.
• Guest Speakers: Listen to interviews with experts from renowned companies.
• Current Trends: Stay updated on the latest trends in talent development and employee engagement.

Why You Should Listen

Andy’s podcast is ideal for HR professionals and leaders who want to stay informed about the intersection of talent development and employee engagement.

7. The HR Leaders Podcast

Hosted by Chris Rainey, The HR Leaders Podcast features interviews with HR and business leaders from around the globe. Chris and his guests discuss all aspects of human resources, including employee engagement, leadership, and future work trends.

Key Takeaways

• Diverse Perspectives: Hear from global HR leaders who share different perspectives on engagement and retention.
• In-Depth Interviews: Each episode delves deep into HR and leadership strategies.
• Engagement Tactics: Learn how to implement innovative engagement strategies.

Why You Should Listen

The variety of guests and global perspectives make this podcast a comprehensive resource for HR professionals looking to refine their engagement strategies.

8. The Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast

Craig Groeschel, a prominent leader and author, shares his insights on leadership, team building, and employee engagement. The podcast blends faith-based leadership principles with practical strategies that can be applied in any organization.

Key Takeaways

• Team Building: Learn how to create cohesive and collaborative teams.
• Servant Leadership: Craig emphasizes the importance of leading with empathy and service.
• Work-Life Balance: Gain insights on how to balance professional goals with personal well-being.

Why You Should Listen

Craig’s approach to leadership is rooted in empathy and service, making this podcast a great fit for leaders who prioritize their team’s well-being.

9. The Great Leadership Podcast

Hosted by John Eades, this podcast offers leadership lessons and engagement strategies for both aspiring and seasoned leaders. John focuses on topics like motivating employees, building resilience, and leading with purpose.

Key Takeaways

• Leadership Lessons: Learn actionable leadership strategies that drive engagement.
• Employee Motivation: Understand how to inspire and motivate employees in challenging times.
• Purpose-Driven Leadership: Discover ways to align leadership practices with organizational missions.

Why You Should Listen

John’s engaging style and in-depth insights make this podcast a valuable resource for anyone in a leadership position.

10. The HR Happy Hour

Hosted by Steve Boese and Trish McFarlane, The HR Happy Hour is one of the longest-running HR podcasts. It covers a wide range of topics related to HR, employee engagement, technology, and workplace culture.

Key Takeaways

• Industry Insights: Get the latest updates on HR technology and its impact on engagement.
• Expert Interviews: Listen to interviews with industry leaders, authors, and practitioners.
• Casual and Informative: The conversational tone makes this podcast both enjoyable and informative.

Why You Should Listen

This podcast is perfect for staying informed about industry trends while also gaining practical advice on improving employee engagement.

Why Podcasts Matter for Employee Engagement?

In today’s fast-paced work environment, leaders and HR professionals need to be constantly evolving their approach to employee engagement. Podcasts provide a wealth of information, ideas, and strategies in an accessible format. Whether you’re commuting, exercising, or working, you can listen to industry experts discuss the latest trends and challenges, making it easy to stay ahead of the curve.

Key Benefits of Listening to Employee Engagement Podcasts:

• Continuous Learning: Stay updated on the latest engagement trends and strategies.
• Diverse Perspectives: Get insights from industry leaders, authors, psychologists, and more.
• Actionable Advice: Most podcasts include practical tips and real-life case studies that you can implement in your own workplace.

Conclusion

Employee engagement is not just a buzzword—it’s a crucial component of a thriving organization. As we move into 2025, leaders and HR professionals must stay informed and adaptive to the changing workplace dynamics. By tuning into these podcasts, you can gain valuable insights, hear expert opinions, and stay ahead of the curve.

Start adding these podcasts to your playlist and take the first step towards fostering a more engaged and motivated workforce. Happy listening!