TY - JOUR AB - Purpose The purpose of this paper is to focus on the key roles played by both human resources and internal communications in developing, implementing and measuring employee engagement strategies and activities. Although the management practice has been widespread since the early 2000s, many are still confused or skeptical of engagement.Design/methodology/approach This paper aims to define engagement and its importance with regard to attracting and keeping top talent, highlighting Aon Hewitt’s behavioral model and Gallup’s research.Findings Recognizing that employee engagement is a key performance indicator, this paper highlights how Lawson Products is creating growth and sustainability with its number-one asset, employees.Originality/value By considering the opportunities Lawson Products is providing for its employees to do meaningful work, to learn, to be involved without being micromanaged and to make an impact, readers will take away proven ideas to draw and engage today’s top talent. VL - 16 IS - 3 SN - 1475-4398 DO - 10.1108/SHR-03-2017-0015 UR - https://doi.org/10.1108/SHR-03-2017-0015 AU - Eaglebarger Sue PY - 2017 Y1 - 2017/01/01 TI - Engaging employees beyond the office freebies T2 - Strategic HR Review PB - Emerald Publishing Limited SP - 112 EP - 116 Y2 - 2024/09/19 ER -