“Disengagement” may sound like just another corporate buzzword, but it’s a serious problem in today’s workforce. More than half of U.S. employees report feeling disengaged from their jobs.  And with these downtrodden denizens costing the U.S. economy $300 Billion annually in lost productivity, it turns out that an engaged workforce might just be the ultimate differentiator between success and mediocrity.

The problem is that you can’t just direct your employees to become more engaged. Nor can you simply buy the drive, loyalty, and innovation of your workforce: a 2009 McKinsey study found non-financial incentives such as attention from a boss or opportunities for leadership were far more effective drivers than stock options or a salary bump.

So how can companies create a better work culture and reignite their employees’ passion for their work?

Check out our new Rypple infographic on what really motivates employees and how companies can use meaningful recognition to create an engaged climate at work: