Disengaged employees adversely affect organizational strategies to promote higher standards of care and quality of life for long-term residential patients. The purpose of this single case study was to explore strategies healthcare leaders use to engage employees. The targeted population for this study was the senior leaders of a long-term residential care agency located in South Carolina who had initiated strategies and practices to engage employees. Kahn's theory of personal engagement and disengagement was the conceptual framework for this study. Data collection included semistructured face-to-face interviews with open-ended questions, and the long-term residential agency's employee handbook, training agenda, and incentive program. Data were transcribed, coded, and then validated through member checking and triangulation, resulting in the development of 6 themes: leadership attentiveness to promote workplace meaningfulness, incorporation of robust communication policies and procedures, organizational support for engagement, fostering interpersonal relationships for increased employee value, meaningful rewards and recognition, and training and development for personal and professional growth. Leaders have a significant role in the development of conditions within the work environment that foster employee engagement. The implications for positive social change include the improvement of physical and social qualities of life for long-term residential patients and their families, the ease of financial burdens for healthcare professionals, and a reduction in the amount of tax revenue needed to support the needs of aging U.S. citizens.
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