Recent studies reveal that one in five workers is expected to resign within the next year, signaling that the Great Resignation could persist in the near future. As both employees and employers face significant costs and disruptions during resignations, the question arises: Is there a better way to create great jobs and workplaces?
Michael Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work, shared his insights in a recent interview, emphasizing that the true character of an organization is revealed during challenging times. He stated, “When the pressure is the highest and financial returns are the most uncertain, that’s when an organization reveals its true purpose and commitment to its people.”
In 2020, Great Place to Work surveyed over 10 million employees across 100 countries. Their findings highlighted that the most successful workplaces shared several key characteristics, including:
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A culture of trust among employees and leadership.
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Respect from supervisors.
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Fair treatment of all employees.
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Emotional, psychological, and physical safety.
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A sense of care and camaraderie among colleagues.
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Pride in the organization.
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A feeling of connection to a greater purpose.
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Strong alignment with the company’s values and mission.
Bush explained that trust is nurtured by purpose-driven leadership, focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. He added that leaders must be concerned with the physical, mental, and financial health of their employees, and should strive to create a legacy that extends beyond profits.
So, what can leaders do to build trust and improve their workplaces?
Michael Bush offered practical suggestions for leaders:
Prioritize trust-building behaviors:
- Make new employees feel welcomed and valued.
- Regularly recognize and thank employees for their contributions.
- Reward hard work fairly.
- Listen to employees’ concerns and make them feel heard.
- Show empathy and compassion in your interactions.
- Connect employees’ work to the organization’s larger purpose.
Seek employee feedback:
- Conduct anonymous surveys every three months to gauge employee experiences.
- Use the feedback to identify 2-3 focus areas to improve the workplace culture and safety.
Ensure safety in the workplace:
- Create a safe physical environment, especially in light of ongoing health concerns like COVID-19.
- Build psychological safety by fostering open conversations and addressing employee concerns with empathy.
Model well-being behaviors:
- Set an example by practicing mindfulness, exercising daily, and taking time off when necessary for rest and recovery.
- Encourage employees to prioritize their own well-being by offering support and flexibility.
By focusing on trust, respect, and well-being, leaders can cultivate a positive work culture that may help prevent the ongoing trend of the Great Resignation. Leaders who prioritize people over profits can create a loyal and engaged workforce, reducing turnover and building long-term success.
How can you foster trust in your organization to retain talent and avoid the great resignation?
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