Ep. 133 - Winning the Workforce War: What Employees Really Want

What really motivates employees and keeps them engaged at work? In Part 1 of his 4-part series “Winning the Workforce War,” Dr. Bryant tackles this question on attracting and retaining top talent. He discusses the evolving challenges organizations face in today’s shifting landscape, from remote work dynamics to intensifying competition for skilled workers. But are employees’ basic wants and needs all that different from the past? Dr. Bryant reveals strikingly similar results from a workplace survey back in the 1940s - yet emphasizes leaders must continually adapt their strategies across generations to foster cultures of inclusion, growth, and appreciation. If you’re a leader looking to improve, this is the episode for you.

[00:00 - 06:25] - Evolving Workforce Challenges

Shifting expectations require rethinking traditional approaches

Remote work necessitates adapting retention strategies

Heightened competition makes hiring top talent difficult

[06:26 - 08:53] - Construction & Maintenance Issues

Aging workforce leading to growing skills gaps

Struggle to attract younger workers

Reliance on subcontractors due to shortages

[08:54 - 13:21] - Low Employee Engagement

Only 33% engaged at work in 2023 Gallup survey

Declining role clarity especially for remote staff

Hurts collaboration, goals, wellbeing and cohesion

[13:22 - 22:29] - Core Employee Desires & Actions

Employees want appreciation, involvement, and support

Interesting work and growth matter along with good pay

Similar desires seen back in 1940s survey - must adapt over time

Key actions: foster culture of inclusion and career growth

Pivot for More in 2024 - https://bit.ly/3QZL3gK

If this content impacts you, please subscribe for more access to the empowering conversations from me and guests working to help you engineer your success!

Text PIVOT to 1-804-913-2579. Make 2024 the year of no regrets.

Use this link to drop a question or a topic that you would like to see covered on a future episode: Questions or topic suggestions.

Let’s connect! Find me on my LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. I’d love to hear from you.

Sign Up for the Email List: https://bit.ly/3QFzcWW

You have the strength of a hero within you. 

Check out my website, www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com, and learn how to unlock your potential and achieve success both in business and in life.

Key Quote:

"Businesses need to adapt their recruiting and retention strategies to address these challenges proactively" - Dr. James Bryant