What kind of workplace makes engagement possible? In Episode 89 of the Her Resources Podcast, host Linda Misegadis welcomes Dr. Rosalind "Roz" Cohen, founder of Socius Strategies and author of The Engagement Dilemma: How to Create a Culture of Belonging, for a timely conversation about employee engagement, inclusive leadership, and the future of work. For decades, organizations have invested in engagement surveys, culture initiatives, wellness programs, and leadership development. Yet many employees still feel disconnected from their work, their leaders, and one another. Roz invites leaders to look beyond engagement as discretionary effort and consider the conditions that allow people to contribute at their best. At the center of the conversation is Roz's engagement trifecta: I think, I feel, I belong. Employees need work that engages their minds, an environment where they feel valued, and a culture where they can connect with others while still being recognized for who they are. Linda and Roz also discuss how AI is changing the way organizations define contribution, why HR must be involved in workforce decisions, how the leadership say-do gap erodes trust, and why managers will need stronger human skills as technology takes on more routine tasks. This episode offers practical insight for HR professionals, people leaders, and anyone trying to create a workplace where people feel seen, heard, trusted, and able to belong. Key takeaways: - Engagement must evolve as AI changes tasks and measures of contribution. - Connection and belonging are related, but they are not the same. - Employees are more invested in solutions they help create. - Trust depends on consistent, honest communication when plans change. - Managers need training in coaching, inclusion, and human connection. - Change communication should begin with why the change is happening and how it may affect people. Listen to the full episode: https://youtu.be/NlNEWv17z5I Connect with Dr. Roz Cohen: Website: https://drrozcohen.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosalindfcohen/ The Engagement Dilemma: https://www.amazon.com/Engagement-Dilemma-Create-Culture-Belonging/dp/1969679085 Connect with Her Resources Podcast: Website: https://www.herresourcespodcast.com/ Podbean: https://herresourcespodcast.podbean.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HerResourcesPodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/her-resources-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herresourcespodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@her.resources.pod All links: https://linktr.ee/hrpodcast Produced by LJM Productions. 00:00 Why engagement and belonging matter now 03:22 Meet Dr. Roz Cohen 03:50 Rethinking employee engagement in the age of AI 08:53 The difference between connection and belonging 12:00 Individual rewards, teamwork, and workplace culture 13:35 The engagement trifecta: I think, I feel, I belong 16:56 Clarity, purpose, and meaningful work 19:18 Inclusive leadership behaviors that create stability 21:12 Listening tours during organizational change 23:53 Employee voice, agency, and shared responsibility 26:47 Trust and the leadership say-do gap 28:59 Radical connection and a sense of purpose 31:03 How organizations create connected cultures 33:08 Why managers need better training and support 34:06 Will AI replace middle managers? 35:42 Vulnerability as a leadership strength 37:46 Human connection during major change 40:13 The first thing leaders should communicate in change 41:54 Change champions, skeptics, and communication 43:49 Why engagement is earned, not mandated 46:25 Three takeaways for leaders, employees, and HR 47:16 Connect with Dr. Roz Cohen 47:52 Final reflection: Would your team feel they belong?