Report finds large gap between HR and employees
HR estimates that over half their workforce is completely engaged at work, when it is really less than a third.
Keeping employees engaged is more important now that ever. Even as inflationary pressures abate somewhat, the tight labor market and low unemployment levels are giving employees many options if they are unhappy at work.
A new report from Leapsome and YouGov called, Beyond the Cubicle: Leapsome’s Workforce Trends Report, shows that only 1 in 3 HR leaders track essential metrics like engagement or turnover. Of those who do, only a third use dedicated surveys, leading to HR overestimating employee engagement and mental wellbeing. Almost one-third of workers are not comfortable reporting issues to HR, further accentuating this gap. Such a communications breakdown risks additional unanticipated turnover, with a third of employees already planning to change jobs.
HR estimates that over half their workforce is completely engaged at work, when it is really less than a third. They also overestimate employee mental health. This communication breakdown risks an unanticipated rise in turnover, with a third of employees already planning to change jobs in the next 12 months. Top reasons for turnover are reported to be unhappy workplace culture, lack of development opportunities, and poor employee-manager relationships.
On the flipside of that, 3 in 4 workers want more feedback and recognition from their managers. One-third is not satisfied with their organization’s performance review process, and a majority call for more frequent reviews. In addition, 1 in 3 employees are unhappy with internal goal setting and KPI measurement. This lack of internal alignment in a globalized working world risks increased disengagement.
And what about the actual work people are doing? Is that what is keeping them in their jobs. Not necessarily. The report says that of the employees surveyed most report that half of their meetings are a waste of time, with 1 in 3 meetings having no agenda. Luckily, AI is helping to claw back that lost time, improving productivity for 4 out of 5 workers using the technology. Ninety percent of HR leaders and 75% of employees use AI at work at least once a week. HR leaders should enable employees to get meaningful results with less wasted efforts by embracing AI and optimizing meetings.
Related: Addressing gaps in your employee benefits package today
The report states that this type of gap demands engagement, performance and alignment initiatives. Things like making sure employees know where the company is headed and how they can contribute, helping employees understand their strengths and creating a workplace culture that supports employee success, can all help with turnover and future engagement. Also, using the high-level metrics, encouraging a feedback-rich culture, and implementing a structured approach to meetings will do a lot to diminishing the gap between employee and employer.