As we’re nearing the end of 2025, many organizations have struggled. 2025 was a year of uncertainty, radical policy changes, geopolitical risks, trade tensions, and an overall unease about the financial wellbeing of many companies and their employees. Workers are feeling more pressure now than ever. They are concerned about their job security, AI and automation, an increase in RTO (return to office) mandates, health insurance coverage, and a growing skills gap in many professions, among other issues. Burnout and disengagement are on the rise.

In a month of monsters, horror, and all things creepy, we thought we’d revisit this chilling topic: bad bosses. Our research shows that the number one cause of employee disengagement is managers, managers, managers. Now, they don’t always wear fangs or carry a broomstick, but if you’ve ever left work feeling drained, anxious, or even spooked, you may be working for a real-life monster in disguise. It's that time of year, and to have a little fun, we thought we'd bring back the "monster boss" post. And though it's fun to write about, it's not so much fun to work with.

What is Employee Engagement? At CustomInsight, we define employee engagement as the extent to which contributors feel passionate about their jobs, are committed to the organization, and put discretionary effort into their work. Simple, right? Hmmm … In a previous post, we discussed why HR has failed to improve employee engagement.

Employee engagement problems often fall on HR’s shoulders. That’s what Human Resources is for, right? To manage the humans at work, make sure they’re satisfied? Wrong. Truth be told, engagement efforts often end up siloed inside HR, treated like a compliance project or a quarterly survey initiative. These efforts can lose their power the moment they step outside those doors. Simply put, meaningful engagement isn’t an HR box to check. It’s a business priority. And this core value must be an inextricable part of the organization's strategy and supported by every leader, manager, and employee.

At the heart of a successful organization is a team of people who feel connected to their work, committed to their mission, and supported by their leaders. That’s employee engagement. And it matters more now than ever. But it’s not just about summer barbecues, team-building retreats, or desk-decorating competitions. A culture of engagement can have these things, but it goes beyond “fluff.” It’s a culture driven by meaningful work, growth opportunities, transparency in organization communication, trust, and a sense of belonging and commitment, That’s a lot. And it’s doable.