COVID-19 has reshaped the way we work, driving a shift towards remote and distributed working. Yet, leaders are falling out of touch with their workforce, leading to exhaustion and a growing risk for Gen Z. A recent survey of 9,000 workers in six countries found 95% of leaders believe they have been successful in managing the shift, while only 11% of employees share this view.
Leaders’ lack of understanding of the challenges faced by their workforce is causing exhaustion. 89% of Gen Z and 83% of millennials report feeling isolated, and 37% of all workers are more likely to leave their jobs due to burnout. This is exacerbated by leaders’ over-reliance on digital tools to manage their teams, which often result in employees working longer hours.
Gen Z is particularly at risk, being the least experienced in dealing with workplace challenges. They are also the most likely to feel disconnected and isolated. This highlights the need for leaders to foster a sense of belonging and connection among their teams, especially for younger workers.
The survey also found that employees value understanding and empathy from their leaders more than ever before. They want leaders who can inspire trust, demonstrate empathy, and foster a sense of belonging. This calls for a shift in leadership styles, moving away from traditional command-and-control approaches to more empathetic and understanding leadership.
Go to source article: https://diginomica.com/covid-19-and-distributed-work-leaders-out-touch-workforce-exhausted-and-gen-z-risk