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The Workplace Experience Employees are Seeking

Cathie Leimbach • November 14, 2022

Today, more than ever, employees are looking for non-monetary benefits in the workplace. Even more important to them than money is well-being. They want their work to matter and they want the workplace to enrich their emotional health. They are seeking work that is aligned with their values, leverages their strengths, and enhances their sense of belonging.

Yet, currently, many are experiencing the opposite. Their work isn’t satisfying, isn’t a right-fit for their strengths, and is rife with negativity. At the end of the day, they often feel frustrated and emotionally drained.  41% of the workforce is looking for another job. At least 20% will change employers this year. It is estimated that orienting new employees and getting them up to speed costs US companies $500 billion per year. That is a huge drain on our economy.

Let’s understand more about the discouraging aspects of the employee experience. Below are the 5 top reasons employees quit. (The total is more that 100% because many people stated multiple reasons for leaving.)

 

Reasons Employees Quit

  1. Lack of career development opportunities (41%}
  2. Lack of competitive pay (36%)
  3. Uncaring/uninspiring leaders (34%)
  4. Lack of meaningful work (31%)
  5. Unsustainable work expectations (29%)

   

Which of the above are challenges at your workplace? If you don’t know but wish you did, contact Cathie Leimbach at cathie@agonleadership.com to explore doing a Free Culture and Engagement Survey within your company.

What can you and your organization do to improve your employees’ experience, reducing turnover and frustration? Watch for next week’s ezine for some actions that hit the mark.

The Four Cs of Effective Conversation

By Cathie Leimbach • February 18, 2025
Based on “Four Cs of Effective Conversation” - The Ohio State University Leadership Center. Ever walked out of a meeting thinking everything was settled, only to realize later that key actions didn’t happen, or alignment was off? That’s because effective conversations require four key elements: clarity, candor, commitment, and completion. Clarity: Make Sure Everyone’s on the Same Page Miscommunication is one of the biggest productivity killers. It’s easy to assume people understand what’s being said, but without clear expectations, mistakes happen. Take the time to check for understanding—what’s obvious to you might not be obvious to everyone else. Candor: Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say Honest, direct conversations build strong teams. When people hold back their real thoughts or concerns, issues fester, and progress stalls. Creating a culture of candor—where people feel safe to speak openly—makes teams more effective and relationships stronger. Commitment: Get Specific About Next Steps A vague “I’ll handle it” often leads to dropped balls. When commitments are specific—who will do what by when—things actually get done. Leaders sometimes hesitate to ask for deadlines, fearing it feels like micromanagement, but clear commitments drive accountability without overstepping. Completion: Don’t Move On Too Soon Before wrapping up a discussion, check that everything’s been addressed. Did we answer all key questions? Does everyone know what happens next? Ensuring a topic is fully covered prevents confusion later and keeps teams aligned.  Mastering these four Cs can turn routine workplace conversations into powerful tools for productivity and collaboration.

Improve Leadership to Boost Workplace Productivity

By Cathie Leimbach • February 11, 2025
Today's workplaces are changing, and managers play a key role in increasing workplace morale and productivity. Research shows that managers impact 70% of what affects how engaged and effective employees are. Surveys show many employees are dissatisfied. They say that expectations are unclear, they don’t feel respected by management, they don’t get enough training, and they don't see how their work matters. With the increasing number of seniors and fewer people in the workforce, increased productivity is essential. Strong leadership is more important than ever. Managers need to develop skills to help their teams succeed. This includes: • Setting clear goals, • Showing appreciation, • Providing good training, and • Helping employees see the purpose of their work. The innovative Conversational Management program helps managers build these leadership skills. It focuses on the leadership practices which boost engagement and productivity. Managers can participate in a virtual Test Drive to see how these strategies can improve teamwork and performance. If you want better results and productivity, REGISTER HERE to join a Test Drive and learn about this highly effective leadership approach! 
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