Employee Engagement. What Else?

Are you ready to change the way you think about employee engagement? This isn’t just another HR book. It’s a call to action for leaders, business visionaries, and change-makers who recognise that real engagement touches every level of an organisation—from top executives to frontline teams.
In a world where fewer than 20% of employees are genuinely engaged, this book dives deep into why engagement isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a business imperative. Every chapter reveals hard-hitting truths and strategic insights for building a workplace where people feel motivated, connected, and driven to excel. With lessons drawn from groundbreaking practices in the United Arab Emirates—a diverse, forward-looking country that’s redefining engagement in many ways—you’ll find both inspiration and real-world examples to guide your own journey.
Packed with practical steps, stories of transformational change, and eye-opening data, this book gives you the tools to bridge the gap between talk and action. Whether you’re a CEO, a team leader, or simply invested in creating a better workplace, you’ll discover how to harness the power of engagement as the true engine of performance, innovation, and profit.

Employee Engagement. What Else?

“Employee Engagement, What Else? confirms my belief that only engaged organisations can be sustainably winning organisations. I highly recommend this book to every manager wanting to build a high-performing team; the practical tools and insights will serve you well!”

“‘Engagement is the story we tell ourselves about our work experience.’ This is one of the powerful ideas explored in Inge’s book, which highlights a fundamental truth: the way employees perceive their work shapes their motivation, performance, and long-term commitment. In the dynamic and multicultural environment of the United Arab Emirates, where professionals from all corners of the world collaborate, engagement is not just an HR metric; it is the foundation of a thriving workplace. Belgium—where Inge proudly comes from—much like the UAE, has built its success on diversity, innovation, and global connectivity. Belgian companies and professionals contribute significantly to the UAE’s vibrant business ecosystem, bringing a deep-rooted culture of adaptability and excellence. As the book rightly points out, engaged employees transcend the average with their dedication, and the same applies to nations, businesses, and leaders who foster environments where individuals feel valued and empowered.

“In this thought-provoking book on employee engagement, the author emerges as a true believer in its transformative power. Van Belle compellingly argues that engagement isn’t just a vital pillar for organisational success; it transcends the workplace, extending into families, teams, communities, societies, and even nations. The book deftly illustrates how engagement cuts across cultures, highlighting its universal importance and applicability. Through insightful concepts, the author invites readers to reflect on and explore what strategies resonate most with them, rather than following a prescriptive ‘how-to’ guide. This approach makes the book refreshing and applicable to various aspects of life, encouraging leaders and individuals alike to think critically about their unique contexts and what fosters genuine engagement within them. The author’s fervour and multifaceted perspective ensure that readers come away with a broadened understanding and appreciation of engagement’s profound impact.”

“In her book Employee Engagement. What Else, Habibi?” Inge van Belle offers senior executive leaders’ actionable insights to elevate employee engagement as a strategic driver of success. Drawing from her extensive experience in the UAE, particularly in Dubai, she underscores the transformation of engagement into a collective responsibility beyond just an HR function. Van Belle challenges leaders with a thought-provoking question: ‘What can you do for your organisation?’ This call to action has significantly influenced my leadership approach, fostering a culture of increased ownership and accountability among teams, ultimately enhancing motivation and performance. The book also highlights the significance of cultural nuances in international management, using Dubai’s resilience and diversity as prime illustrations. Inge’s discussion on how Dubai’s leadership promotes inclusivity and adaptability mirrors my own experiences in fostering teamwork within diverse environments. Cultural awareness has played a pivotal role in improving engagement and collaboration within my teams across 19 countries.

“‘Work is love made visible.’ This powerful quote encapsulates the essence of employee engagement: a true symbiosis between individuals and the organisations they contribute to. I had the pleasure of reading this book with great interest and anticipation, as Inge Van Belle explores all key concepts of employee engagement through the unique prism of the UAE’s multicultural corporate environment, where organisational cultures intersect with diverse national identities. This perspective is crucial in understanding how engagement strategies must adapt to varied cultural expectations and workplace dynamics. At a time when AI and GenAI are transforming work environments, the human–machine relationship has never been more relevant. Inge masterfully highlights the importance of maintaining employee engagement in an era where technology is reshaping roles, interactions, and expectations. More than just a reflection on engagement, this book serves as a playbook for organisations, offering case studies and concrete application frameworks to reshape engagement strategies in a rapidly evolving workplace. A must-read for anyone interested in the future of work, cross-cultural leadership, and employee engagement in the age of AI. Highly recommended!”

“This is not just another book about employee engagement. It’s an invitation to reconsider how you live, breathe, speak, think, and connect with others. It urges you to be fully present, here and now, at work and beyond. It encourages you to embark on a transformative journey that impacts all aspects of your life. It is a practi-sophical guide to be engaged and engage people you care about, well beyond employees. And above all, every word carries vibrance, heart, guts, and soul. Because Inge is not only talking the talk—she walks the walk. As she reminds us, the stakes are high: we’re talking about happiness, fulfilment, and true love—even in business. And we are the ones who can make a difference. Yalla!”

“Employee engagement—two words that have been thrown around boardrooms for years, yet few truly crack the code. In Employee Engagement, What Else? Inge Van Belle doesn’t just talk about engagement; she unpacks it, challenges it, and injects it with the high-energy, forward-thinking mindset of Dubai—a city that has mastered the art of attracting, retaining, and inspiring people from all walks of life. At its core, this book isn’t just about policies and strategies; it’s about people. Engagement isn’t a metric—it’s a connection, a relationship, an ecosystem where employees feel a deep sense of belonging, feel valued, seen, and part of something bigger than themselves. Inge blends sharp insights with compelling storytelling, diving into purpose-driven leadership, AI’s rising role in engagement, and how culture can be the ultimate game-changer. And the Dubai influence? It’s not just a backdrop; it’s a case study of ambition, innovation, and belonging. If you think you’ve read everything there is to know about engagement, think again. This book will challenge your perspective, spark new ideas, and leave you asking, What else? And that’s exactly the kind of thinking the future of work demands.”

“I found this book to be one of the most compelling and thought-provoking explorations of employee engagement, leadership, and organisational culture. It goes beyond the typical HR manual, presenting engagement as a universal priority that impacts not just employees but also leaders, stakeholders, and clients. Inge masterfully weaves her personal experiences and expertise in marketing and technology to offer fresh, practical insights. Using Dubai as an unconventional yet powerful case study, she blends professional knowledge with personal reflections, creating a unique perspective on business resilience, diversity, and the evolving workplace. Engaging, insightful, and truly inspiring, this book is a must-read for any leader looking to rethink engagement in today’s business world.”

About the Author

Inge van Belle is a Senior Client Partner at Korn Ferry and co-founder of Herculean Alliance, the employee engagement company. Known for her passion and expertise in people-centric work, Inge’s focus spans employee engagement, executive search, leadership, and organisational culture. She founded the Bravos! Employee Engagement Awards and has led intercultural projects across ten countries. A Board member in multiple organisations, Inge is also a committed advocate for women’s empowerment. In 2024, she was named one of the 50under50 for the Middle East and Africa by UN Women. She currently lives and works in the United Arab Emirates.

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Employee Engagement. What Else?

FAQ

1. What inspired you to write this book?

I was inspired to write Employee Engagement, What Else? because I’ve seen how often organisations talk about engagement, but rarely act on it in ways that truly move the needle. After working for years in marketing and tech, it became clear to me that employee engagement isn’t just an HR issue. It’s a business imperative. It’s what drives competitiveness, growth, and resilience.
Moving to the UAE during the pandemic gave me fresh perspective. I witnessed firsthand how leadership, ambition, diversity, and purpose can energise an entire nation. That experience, paired with the rapid shifts in how we work—especially with AI and hybrid models—made it clear: the companies that thrive tomorrow are the ones investing in engagement today. This book is my contribution to that conversation.

2. What will your readers gain from your book?

Readers will walk away with both clarity and confidence when it comes to employee engagement. This isn’t just theory—it’s practical, grounded, and ready to use. Beyond the buzzwords and quick fixes, the book invites readers to reflect on what truly works in their context. Whether you’re a business leader, HR professional, or team manager, you’ll find frameworks, case studies, expert insights, and a downloadable workbook filled with actionable tools. I’ve also made sure the content fits every learning style—visuals, summaries, punchy quotes, and practical exercises. The goal is simple: to help you turn engagement from a vague concept into something that directly drives culture, performance, and growth.

3. What was your unique quotient for this project?

What makes this book unique is the blend of strategy and storytelling. I didn’t come at employee engagement from a purely academic or HR angle—I brought in perspectives from marketing, technology, and entrepreneurship, grounded in real-world practice. I’ve lived through business transformations, led teams, and navigated cultural shifts across regions. That experience—especially my journey in the UAE—allowed me to approach engagement through a global, multicultural lens. I also made sure the book was accessible to everyone, whether you’re a seasoned leader or just curious about how to energise your workplace. It’s structured to be practical, flexible, and deeply human. Designed for impact, not just inspiration.

4. How did becoming an author help in your brand/business?

Becoming an author has definitely strengthened my thought leadership—it gave me a platform to share a message I’ve believed in for years. But more importantly, it allowed me to articulate the exact narrative we’ve been championing at Herculean Alliance: that employee engagement is not a quick fix or an HR initiative—it’s a complex, systemic issue. The low engagement numbers we see globally are an inconvenient truth, and they won’t be solved by isolated efforts. It takes a collective, community-driven approach. That’s why initiatives like the BRAVOS Employee Engagement Awards are so important—they turn that philosophy into action. The book has helped position our mission more clearly and reach the people who are ready to drive meaningful change.

5. What are your future plans as an author?

As an author, my future plans are all about amplifying the message. I want to take the stage, give keynotes, and connect with business leaders across the globe. My goal is to inspire, to spark new ways of thinking about engagement, and to help organisations build cultures where people truly thrive. This book is just the beginning—I see it as a foundation for broader conversations, deeper collaborations, and lasting impact. Ultimately, I want to leave a legacy that goes beyond the page—one that helps reshape the way we work, lead, and grow.

6. What will you learn from this book?

1. How to approach employee engagement as a strategic business driver
You’ll learn why engagement shouldn’t rest solely on HR’s shoulders. It’s a leadership priority and a business imperative. The book unpacks the 12 drivers of engagement and provides practical strategies to address disengagement at its core.

2. How to apply marketing thinking and harness tech, data, and AI to elevate HR
You’ll explore how HR can step up by adopting the mindset of marketers using storytelling, segmentation, analytics, and AI to personalize experiences, drive action, and put employees truly at the center.

3. How to build a culture of belonging, performance, and sustainable growth
With real-world case studies, expert perspectives, and a hands-on workbook, you’ll walk away with actionable tools to help your team thrive – and to connect engagement with real business impact.

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Employee Engagement. What Else?