Wednesday 23rd July 2025
Written By Lord Mark Price, Founder of WorkL.
In today’s competitive business environment, what sets truly successful organisations apart isn’t just what employees do, but the extra effort they willingly contribute beyond their formal job requirements. At WorkL, we call this Extra Discretionary Effort (EDE): the discretionary energy, creativity, and commitment that employees invest when they feel valued, engaged, and empowered.
What is Extra Discretionary Effort?
Extra Discretionary Effort refers to the “above and beyond” actions employees take that go beyond their basic duties. It’s the difference between simply doing a job and actively contributing to the organisation’s success. Whether it’s offering innovative ideas, helping colleagues, or staying late to ensure a deadline is met, EDE reflects the true engagement level of your workforce.
Why EDE matters for your business
EDE is a powerful predictor of business performance. Employees who give this extra effort help reduce turnover, increase productivity, and foster a positive workplace culture. Our data shows that companies with high levels of EDE see:
- Up to 22% decrease in employee Flight Risk, cutting recruitment and training costs
- up to 20% productivity improvements driven by motivated, engaged teams
- stronger alignment between employee experience and business goals, boosting overall performance
These benefits translate directly into improved customer satisfaction, innovation, and long-term growth.
Driving EDE in your organisation
Creating the conditions for employees to deliver Extra Discretionary Effort requires more than just surveys. It demands targeted actions and ongoing support, including:
- listening actively and responding to employee feedback
- recognising and rewarding contributions that go beyond the job description
- empowering managers with tools to support meaningful conversations and career development
- aligning individual goals with broader business objectives to foster a sense of purpose
At WorkL, we help organisations measure EDE accurately and transform those insights into tailored strategies that encourage sustained employee engagement.
The difference from insight to action
Understanding EDE is just the start. The real value lies in acting on those insights to create an environment where employees feel motivated to give their best every day. Through benchmarking, expert guidance, and practical tools, we help leaders prioritise what matters most and translate feedback into real change.
In summary, Extra Discretionary Effort is the hidden engine powering your organisation’s success. By measuring and fostering EDE, you unlock a workforce that’s not just present, but fully engaged and committed to driving growth. At WorkL, we’re passionate about helping businesses harness this powerful resource to create lasting impact.
