Culture Shock

By Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN

I spent last week at the Gallup Work Summit. Researchers at Gallup have been studying workforce and workplace issues for more than 50 years. They are well-positioned to look at data across time and advise leaders on the future of the work. So when they report that we are amid a massive culture shock in the workplace that will not change, leaders tend to stop and listen. In the space of less than two weeks, their book, Culture Shock, has rapidly become a business bestseller. Below I list the big takeaways from Gallup research and 10 key leadership recommendations they are making:

The Big Takeaways

1. Work and life were hit by an asteroid during the COVID pandemic – employees now view their work and life differently. There is NO GOING BACK to the pre-Covid work environment.
2. There is a growing risk that the majority of employees will operate more like independent contractors or gig workers making it impossible to build strong cultures and powerful team relationships.
3. The US workforce is becoming less engaged, less trusting of leaders, and more angry.
4. 90% of graduates today want jobs that are either remote or hybrid – industries that cannot offer this will not be employers of first choice unless they offer flexible employment options and unique benefits.
5. Workers today want work that fits into their life rather than fitting life into work. Flexibility and autonomy are key drivers in retention.
6. The future workplace will promote well-being but also struggle with productivity and meeting customer needs. The change in human nature and wants will be hard on business outcomes.
7. Losing customers will be the biggest risk as an outcome of culture shock. Employees now show declining engagement, loyalty, and commitment to going the extra mile for customers.
8. The key role in the new workplace is the frontline manager who will be directly managing the workforce challenges and dealing with their own risk of burnout. Manager engagement accounts for 70% of employee engagement.
9. While technology can enhance work, it is also a driver of the gradual deterioration of cultures.
10. Employee mental health and well-being are now global workforce challenges. Only 25% of employees now believe their organizational leadership cares about their well-being.
11. Teamwork is still the glue that holds things together – resulting in higher performance and lower turnover.
12. Employees will increasingly resist long commutes to work.
13. The new generation of employees will demand strong DEI programs that promote inclusion and respect.
14. Healthcare workers had the largest decline in engagement (9% drop) between 2021 and 2022.
15. There is a serious disconnect between executive leaders’ perceptions about work and those of their employees.

Gallup Recommendations

1. Focus strategic efforts on rebuilding the trust of employees – don’t assume they trust you because the data indicates that they don’t.
2. Embrace flexible work environments and scheduling.
3. Take employee well-being very seriously.
4. Develop employees and promote career growth.
5. Communicate transparently using multichannel communication to reach staff.
6. Upskill your frontline leaders who have the toughest job in today’s work environment. Today’s staff want their managers to be coaches so coaching skills are essential.
7. Promote cohesive teamwork and team-building skills.
8. Make a strong commitment to DEI.
9. Reduce manager spans of control so they can have meaningful conversations with staff. Executive leaders should meet regularly with frontline leaders to maintain an awareness of changes in the workforce.
10. Rethink recognition programs to meet the needs of the younger workforce.

Gallup researchers who presented at the work summit acknowledged that they have never seen such rapid changes in the data they have been collecting now for 50 years. COVID has accelerated trends that might have happened organically as older generations retired. While all these changes are a culture shock, they are also the reality of where we are now. Strategies that worked five years ago no longer work. Things have changed and so must leaders.

Bring the Nurse Leader Coach Workshop to Your Facility Virtually or Onsite   Click Here for the Nurse Leader Coach WS Flyer

© emergingrnleader.com 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Programs/Books Your Leaders May Find Valuable

From Traditional Nurse Leader to Nurse Leader Coach – Click Here for the Flyer

For new leaders and emerging leaders, consider doing The Nuts and Bolts of Nursing Leadership Program – Click Here for the Nuts and Bolts Flyer Final

New Leader Development Option in 2023 – Team Coaching Designed to the Unique Needs of Your Organization  Leader Coaching Brochure

Read the Nurse Leader Coach – Available at Amazon and Other Book Sellers

Recommended Book by the Association of Critical Care Nurses – The Nuts and Bolts of Nursing Leadership: Your Toolkit for Success