September 2013

Audience: Executive Leadership, Foster Caregivers, Public, Shelter/Rescue Staff & Volunteers, Veterinary Team

Engagement has been described as the "measurable degree of an employee's positive or negative emotional attachment to their job, colleagues and organization that profoundly influences their willingness to learn and perform at work" (Scarlett Surveys International).

Research clearly links high engagement to high performance and productivity. Given how productivity is measured in animal shelters and rescues, one could hypothesize that more engaged employees or volunteers are capable of saving more lives, giving better care or having a greater impact on their communities.

In the fall of 2012, Maddie's Fund® conducted an online survey of executive directors, employees and volunteers from companion-animal care organizations across the country.

The purpose of this study was to:

  1. Assess overall levels of engagement.
  2. Investigate potential drivers which may contribute to engagement or disengagement.
  3. Provide resources to enable organizations to improve engagement.

Click here to read a summary of survey findings and recommendations

Click here to read the comprehensive report, featuring essential resource links

To view the results of our Training and Development Survey click here.