Stop Losing Talent: Engagement That Works (Without Pizza Fridays)

In this episode of the Midway Business Podcast, Butch Zemar talks with Lindy Hoyt, Founder of People Ambassadors, about why keeping employees engaged sometimes feels harder than keeping your New Year’s resolution past January. Lindy shares how most companies confuse “butts in seats” with engagement—and then wonder why turnover looks like a revolving door. Her take: retention requires intention. Don’t drag people back to the office just so they can sit on Zoom; give them purpose, growth, and connection. She lays outsimple but powerful tools like one-on-one meetings (don’t cancel them unless you want disengagement), stay interviews (asking people why they stick around before they leave), and tailoring recognition so it actually matters. Spoiler: not everyone wants the “Employee of the Month” plaque. Lindy also points out that employees don’t leave companies—they leave managers. Translation: if your team keeps bailing, it’s not the snacks in the break room—it’s you. The bottom line: retention isn’t about ping-pong tables or pizza Fridays; it’s about actually knowing your people. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006. To contact Lindy Hoyt: LinkedIn