Category: Engagement Solutions

That’s Gonna Leave a Mark

You have probably heard, and perhaps used the popular phrase – “That’s gonna leave a mark.” In 2017, comedy writer Shawn Kohne spent seven months researching how many times the joke was used in movies, television shows, and even video games. Kohne was able to identify 105 examples of its use between 1987 and 2017 – from Spaceballs to Charlotte’s Web to NCIS.  “That’s gonna leave a mark” can describe the impact of the last few years on the workplace, particularly on employee relationships with coworkers, managers, leaders, and their organizations.

The Evolution Continues

According to Gallup’s Ben Wigert, a relationship reset is coming in 2024, and he cites six workplace trends that bear watching this year. These are based on Gallup’s findings regarding the radical ways organizations are changing how they do business – and how employees are being impacted. Over the past 4 years, there has been a major shift in where and how people work. For example, in 2019, 60% of employees capable of working remotely spent their entire week working on-site. In 2023, only 20% of remote-capable employees did so.

Managers are Key

Over the past 10 months, work location trends seem to have stabilized. For example, eight in ten CHROs from Fortune 500 companies said they had no plans to decrease remote work flexibility in the next twelve months. But about half of U.S. workers’ jobs cannot be performed offsite. During the peak of the pandemic businesses introduced or expanded remote work options to remain operational. This elevated stress levels created by additional job responsibilities and restructuring continues for many organizations. Gallup cited three key responses from managers when asked about organizational changes in 2023.

  • 64% said employees were given additional job responsibilities
  • 51% mentioned restructuring of teams
  • 42% said they had seen budget cuts in the organization

Gallup found that in 2023, managers were struggling with burnout, disengagement, and were more likely than non-managers to seek employment elsewhere. Frustrated managers negatively affect morale, engagement, and effectiveness of their teams. In fact, managers account for 70% of the variance in employee engagement.

Hybrid Work Challenges

Hybrid work has largely been normalized for remote-capable workers, as those employees embraced the freedom and convenience which it affords. At the same time, managers and leaders reported reduced burnout and improved retention among hybrid workers. But separation also causes definite challenges.

Hybrid workers reported five challenges to offsite productivity.

  1. Less access to resources and equipment
  2. Less connection to organization’s culture
  3. Less collaboration
  4. Diminished relationships with coworkers
  5. Less communication

It’s clear that organizational changes accelerated by the pandemic and post-pandemic years will not reverse any time soon. Developing a long-term plan is critical to improving communication, collaboration, relationships, and culture. Check out Gallup’s Six Workplace Trends Leaders Should Watch in 2024 to read more.

Engagement, Recognition, and Safety Strategies Drive Positive Business Outcomes

Last week we mentioned some of the impacts related to the labor shortage and employee recruitment and retention challenges. With less-than-full staffing, employers pressed to maintain operational, production, and service demands are employing a variety of strategies to these ends. Our experience in helping deliver profitable business outcomes centers around comprehensive programs that develop and… Read more »

Overcoming Employee Recruitment and Retention Challenges

With 2024 only ten weeks away, I’m not exactly going out on a limb to say the same uncertainty and change affecting workplaces will continue into the New Year and beyond. Employers are struggling to overcome challenges in the areas of productivity, safety incidents, and absenteeism – but the most pressing challenge for many industries… Read more »

Why Non-Cash Incentive Programs?

In today’s uncertain economy and labor market, leadership teams may not recognize the value of non-cash incentive programs. With hiring down 40 percent from a year ago and layoffs continuing to make headlines, the workplace and workforce continue to evolve – and this is true for virtually all industries. QIC’s John Newman, writing for Salesandmarketing.com,… Read more »

The Motivation Equation

The motivation of recognition and incentive program participants is at the core of any HR or sales & marketing solution. After all, the goal of recognition and incentive programs is to reinforce existing attitudes/behaviors and bring about new levels of engagement and performance. Obtaining desired outcomes (and being able to model ROI) is determined by… Read more »

Engagement Still Key to Workplace Challenges

Halfway through 2023, workplace challenges pressing employers and employees are just as great today as at the beginning of the year. Employers continue to wrestle with retention, recruiting, productivity, and change – while employees are experiencing increased levels of stress, both at work and at home. The release of Gallup’s State of Global Workplace 2023… Read more »