Gallup: Employee engagement is dropping in the workplace | Delta helps fund emergency savings for employees | Mental health, reskilling will be needed for employees
Only 32% of employees are engaged with their work, compared with 36% in 2020, according to a new Gallup survey. Younger generations experienced the greatest drop in engagement, compared with older cohorts, with those under age 35 reporting feeling less cared about and heard.
Delta Air Lines is offering up to $1,000 to employees who participate in financial coaching and open a savings account to cover potential emergencies. "We know that physical, emotional, social and financial health are essential for our people to be at their best," said Delta CEO Ed Bastian, noting that "this investment in the financial well-being of our employees is a practical solution to a common challenge."
The Army has yet to publish its updated parental leave policies implementing a directive from Congress expanding available leave. "There may be cases from a readiness perspective we can't have a particular soldier take the 12 weeks all at once," said Army Secretary Christine Wormuth, adding that the Army is "trying to work through what guidance to give to commanders in terms of how to approve those policies."
Employers are sometimes relying on big data, algorithms and HR software such as Etho to recommend which workers should be laid off. "Basing layoffs on data rather than gut feelings helps remove bias and increase decision-making that is best for the long-term health of the company," Anita Grantham of software company BambooHR says.
Procrastination may be the result of feeling like you don't have a choice, the task doesn't create a sense of connection or you may not feel competent to accomplish it, writes Susan Fowler, who provides a real-time demonstration of how investigating these three areas motivated her to move on a delayed task. "Without optimal motivation, you can't generate the vitality needed to take action," Fowler writes.
Student-centered learning is the idea that students should be active participants -- not passive receivers -- in the learning process. Gone are the days of the “sage-on-the-stage”, where the teacher is the center of instruction. In a student-centered learning classroom, students are involved in decisions about instruction and content is tailored to their interests. This, according to advocates, is the best way to engage students and solidify learning.
I thought about this as I read our top story today. A 2022 survey by Gallup found that only 32% of workers say they are engaged in their work -- a decline from 36% in 2020. The biggest dip in engagement came from young millennials and members of Gen Z. Employees under 35 feel “less heard and less cared about at work.”
The data made me wonder: Has student-centered education helped drive expectations for the workplace? Young workers grew up with learning and activities centered on their interests. Are they looking for more of the same from their employers?
I am just musing. I’m not saying that student-centered learning is responsible for the low engagement scores among young workers. Nor am I casting judgment on young people.
But it is an interesting question. As conversations about flexible schedules, remote- and hybrid-work models and passion projects continue to heat up, young people are leading the charge for change in their workplaces.
What say you? Have you seen a shift in expectations for engagement in the workplace? Let me know! And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.
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