What Employees Really Want (And Why Leaders Miss the Mark)

Today's employees hold the power. With more options than ever before, they're willing to walk away from companies with a weak leadership culture or a clash of values. A recent study by PWC exposes a critical disconnect between what workers crave and what senior leaders think they crave.

Leaders Are Out of Touch

Take autonomy for instance. PWC asked senior leaders to rank its importance to employees. They guessed it would be 14th on the priority list, but employees ranked it much higher at 8th place.  Leaders also underestimated the importance of strong teams. They placed "working with good co-workers" at a measly 13th, while employees prioritised it as their number one need.  (See the full list of discrepancies here!)

What Employees Really Want

This gap has serious consequences.  Employees aren't looking just for a salary. They yearn for autonomy, flexibility, a sense of wellbeing and purpose, fuelled by great colleagues, and opportunities to keep growing. When leaders fail to address these core needs, they risk creating a disengaged and frustrated workforce.

Bridging the Gap

The PWC study underscores the importance of gathering direct feedback from employees. Leaders who actively listen and understand what motivates their teams are better positioned to create a thriving work environment that fosters well-being, productivity, and loyalty. Tools like regular surveys, open-door policies, and anonymous feedback mechanisms can all be bridges across this perception gap.

Another key takeaway from the research is the importance of transparency. When leaders clearly communicate goals, challenges, and how decisions are made, it builds trust and psychological safety within the team. Employees who understand the bigger picture feel more invested and engaged in their work.

Action Steps for Leaders

So, how can you close the gap and build a loyal workforce? Here are some actionable steps:

• Embrace Transparency: Keep your team informed. Share company goals, explain challenges you're facing, and outline the decision-making process.
• Empower Your Teams: Give employees ownership over their work. Let them have a say in projects and offer opportunities for growth and development.
• Host Open Forums: Encourage open communication by scheduling regular town halls or team meetings where employees feel comfortable voicing their opinions.
• Conduct Regular Pulse Surveys: Don't rely on guesswork. Schedule regular surveys with clear, concise questions that pinpoint employee needs and concerns.

By actively listening to your employees and taking steps to bridge the perception gap, you can create a work environment that fosters well-being, productivity, and loyalty. 

However, simply going through the motions of gathering feedback or holding open forums won't be enough.  Employees can sniff out inauthenticity a mile away.  The key to truly bridging the gap lies in sincerity.  Leaders must cultivate genuine self-awareness to recognise their own biases and assumptions, allowing them to approach employee feedback with an open mind and a desire to understand. 

Equally important is nurturing empathy.  By stepping outside their own frame of reference and truly seeing things from the employee's perspective, leaders can build trust and ensure their actions to address the disconnect are not just well-intentioned, but truly resonate with the needs and desires of their workforce.

Ready to learn how we can help you create a work environment that attracts and retains top talent?  Contact us today for a free consultation on organisational culture and employee engagement strategies.  We'll help you bridge the gap and build a team that thrives.