The Wall Street Journal recently published a poll from OC Tanner indicating “80% of employees feel they are treated unfairly.” How can your business change this?
As businesses rush to accommodate employees’ desires for remote work, flexibility, and professional growth, there’s a significant segment being overlooked: the 80% of workers who don’t spend their days at a desk. Recent findings from the O.C. Tanner Institute indicate that these “80% employees” are now experiencing alarming levels of demoralization, and the gap between them and their desk-bound colleagues is widening.
The report delves into workplace dynamics and perspectives, drawing insights from over 42,000 individuals including employees, leaders, HR professionals, and executives across 27 nations and unveils a striking revelation: 80% of workers believe they lack substantial opportunities, influence, flexibility, and backing compared to their counterparts. Echoing this sentiment, a participant in a focus group succinctly expressed, “We’re disposable once more.”
Research from O.C. Tanner indicates that when the 80% of employees feel recognized, appreciated, and acknowledged, it significantly enhances their sense of belonging, satisfaction, and loyalty to their employers., resulting in a staggering 674% increase in engagement, a 592% increase in outstanding performance, and a 448% increase in the likelihood of workers experiencing a profound sense of fulfillment.
Below are 3 tips that enable organizations to address these sentiments, offering a solution to this issue, and ultimately boosting staff retention, employee engagement, and overall company culture:
- Enhance Access to Tools and Resources:
Leaders must boost access to essential systems and resources for the 80%, who often receive less than 1% of tech allocations. Limited access to tools like email and HR systems hampers communication and restricts opportunities. - Prioritize Access and Enablement:
Organizations should prioritize both access to resources and enablement, ensuring employees have the autonomy and flexibility they need. Without this balance, initiatives like offering healthcare access may fall short. When the 80% have high access and enablement, they’re three times more likely to stay for another three years. - Foster Meaningful Recognition:
A staggering majority of the 80% report no acknowledgment at work, with only 26% finding recognition meaningful. Regular and thoughtful recognition, aligned with employees’ preferences, fosters belonging and fulfillment, enhancing work quality and commitment.
No society or organization could function without the 80% of employees currently feeling undervalued. Shifting their sentiments will take focus, listening and a willingness to experiment with new tools and practices – These workers are essential, and it’s crucial that they recognize their importance.
