10 Ways Companies Fail to Support Workers

Workers feel disconnected within their own organizations. They are saddled with responsibilities but lack guidance or feedback on how to do their jobs. Project teams work in isolation, unclear on how to meet organizational goals. And professional training remains an afterthought, says a big survey from the Hay Group. Some disenfranchisement stems from rocky economic times, but that doesn’t explain everything. “I have not had a performance review in two years,” said one employee. “I’m never told expectations for my job, how I’m doing or how I can improve.” Turf-protection is another issue, as organizations promote “the development of little fiefdoms that undermine productivity,” as another person puts it. The research is presented in a book, The Enemy of Engagement: Put an End to Workplace Frustration – and Get the Most from Your Employees (Amacom/available in October). Authors Mark Royal and Tom Agnew are leaders in the employee research division of Hay Group, a global management consulting firm. For more about the book, click here.