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Half of employees expected to push through challenges ‘without complaint’, survey finds

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Summary

The O.C. Tanner Institute's 2024 Global Culture Report found that half of employees (53%) are expected to push through challenges without complaint, which can lead to burnout. This is because traditional definitions of resilience in the workplace are outdated for modern working environments. Practical empathy is increasingly important to workers and workplaces, with employees picturing themselves staying 2.5 years longer at their organisation when their leader is empathetic. However, only 59% of employees feel their leaders’ expressions of empathy are accompanied by meaningful action and support. Additionally, many organisations are suspicious of workers who want to learn new skills, believing they are trying to expand their employment options. Firms that do not provide any skill building have a lower chance of having a thriving workplace culture. It is important for organisations to have a people-centric approach to developing workplace culture in order to foster an environment where employees feel fulfilled and that drives better business outcomes.

Q&As

What are the risks of burnout and frustration among workers when they are expected to push through challenges without complaint?
The risks of burnout and frustration among workers when they are expected to push through challenges without complaint are higher likelihood of burnout and frustration.

What is the traditional definition of resilience in the workplace, and why is it outdated?
The traditional definition of resilience in the workplace is relying too heavily on the capacity of individuals and too little on the culture of organisations. It is outdated because it ignores the issues behind changing roles, practices and job requirements.

What is the importance of “practical empathy” in the workplace?
The importance of “practical empathy” in the workplace is that it is increasingly important to workers and workplaces, and employees picture themselves staying 2.5 years longer at their organisation when their leader is empathetic.

How do employees feel when their leaders express empathy but do not take meaningful action?
When their leaders express empathy but do not take meaningful action, employees feel frustrated.

What is the importance of “people-centric” approaches for developing workplace culture?
The importance of “people-centric” approaches for developing workplace culture is that it fosters cultures where employees feel fulfilled and ultimately drives better business outcomes.

AI Comments

👍 This article is a great reminder that organizational culture and empathy are incredibly important when managing the challenges of modern workplaces. It's encouraging to see that organizations are taking steps to create policies and programs that facilitate empathy in the workplace.

👎 This article shows that many organizations are still failing to follow through on promises to their employees, and are failing to provide meaningful action and support. This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed.

AI Discussion

Me: It's about how more than half of employees are expected to push through challenges without complaint, which can lead to burnout. It also talks about how traditional definitions of resilience in the workplace are outdated and that there needs to be a proactive approach to change and development in order to create a healthier workplace culture.

Friend: That's really interesting. It sounds like companies need to start taking employee feedback more seriously and create policies and programs that encourage empathy in the workplace. It also sounds like they should invest in skill-building opportunities so that their employees can stay up to date with the latest industry trends and practices.

Me: Absolutely. It's also important for companies to focus on employees rather than just business requirements. If they can make small shifts that have a big impact on employee satisfaction, they can build a culture that is both productive and supportive.

Action items

Develop a plan to ensure that employees feel supported and empowered to take on challenges without feeling overwhelmed.
Create policies and programmes that enable the practice of empathy in the workplace.
Invest in skill-building opportunities for employees to help them stay engaged and motivated.

Technical terms

Burnout: A state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress.
Resilience: The ability to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
Organisational Preparation: The process of preparing an organisation for change.
Practical Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another in a practical way.
Leadership Stress: Stress caused by the demands of being a leader.
Seismically Shifted: A dramatic change.
People Centric: Focusing on the needs of people.