We have been measuring Engagement around the world for over a decade, developing a survey instrument, Engagement Pulse, that has given us the ability to create a truly global picture. Never before, however, have we employed this tool under such world-altering circumstances. Given the universal impact of COVID-19 at this time, it seems impossible, or at least inadvisable, to attempt to measure Engagement in isolation. The current moment presents us not just with the opportunity but with the obligation to study Engagement in relation to the impact that this health crisis has had on workers around the world.

In alignment with our previous studies, we define Engagement as a positive state of mind characterized by “vigor, dedication, and absorption” (Schaufeli & Bakker, 2004). We define Workplace Resilience as the capacity of an individual to withstand, bounce back from, and work through challenging circumstances or events at work.

As we shall see, these constructs are related, but not the same. In fact, in one way, they can be seen as opposite sides of the same coin. Where measuring Engagement captures how individuals are proactive in delivering their best work, Workplace Resilience is a reactive measure, capturing how people respond when challenges arise. This study focuses on how COVID-19 has affected Engagement and Workplace Resilience — and the interplay between them — in 25 countries.