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Whenever we conduct research at CCOP, we include one-on-one interviews with some respondents. While the data ultimately shape our narrative and make headlines, the insights that come from these individual interviews often leave a lasting impression on us. I found the same to be true when reading through Gallup's latest State of the Global Workplace report, which serves as a barometer for how engaged, not engaged, or actively disengaged employees are around the world.
While the numbers are again staggering (see our first story below), some of the respondent quotes truly illustrated what it means to be disengaged at work. One respondent shared, "I have not been able to go to any of my children's events due to work. We are here all day." Another illuminated how closely linked work is to overall mental health, saying, "If I'm not doing well at work, I'm not doing well in life. It's just the way it is."
Statements like these demonstrate the importance of having both a fair, healthy working environment and having a sense of purpose at work. A company with a powerful purpose that keeps its employees in the office or at their computers for long hours—or worse, in unsafe working conditions—has missed the point. And when done right, purpose can support truly engaged employees—workers who are not just satisfied with their jobs, but passionate, committed, and dedicated to their work. This high level of engagement translates directly into improved company performance, driving productivity, innovation, and profitability. Ultimately, when employees understand and align with the company's mission and values, they feel a deeper connection to their work. —Kristin Kenney, Director
🫤 Not engaged, but showing up: Low employee engagement costs the global economy an estimated $8.9 trillion, or 9% of global GDP. That's why the findings from Gallup's annual State of the Global Workplace Report are so vital to understand how employees are faring around the world—and currently, around 62% are not engaged at work. When employees are engaged though, performance soars: "teams in the top quartile of employee engagement achieve 23% higher profitability than those in the bottom quartile."
♻️ Re-thinking recycling: By now, most Americans are aware of just how bad our recycling system is: Just 9% of all plastic waste is properly recycled, according to the OECD. With the rise of AI, startups are trying to leverage new tools and models to improve on that 9%—including Glacier, a startup putting AI-enabled robots to work sorting trash. The company estimates that just one of its robots can "help prevent more than 10 million items per year from ending up in landfills."
🧑🦽 Slow going for DEI: 1 in 4 C-suite leaders are "not onboard with DEI," according to new research from Bridge Partners. The 2024 Inclusion Barometer found that nearly 40% of the C-suite feels DEI programs don't prioritize shareholders' best interests, and 33% think DEI programs unfairly advance some employees, but not others. The good news is that despite pessimism, the majority (72%) of leaders plan to enhance their DEI programs over the next 24 months.
Bridge Partners—2024 Inclusion Barometer
Discover the transformative power of neurodiversity with Rajesh Anandan, Co-Founder of Ultranauts Inc. Rajesh uses research and stories to reveal how prioritizing cognitive diversity in the workplace drives business success and fosters inclusivity. Listen to learn which strategies to adopt, barriers to avoid, and why neurodiversity in business is so vital.