Engagement unlocked: Key takeaways from Panel for the Global Workplace Report

What happens when the Institute of Managers and Leaders Australia and New Zealand , HRNZ , and Gallup join forces? A fascinating panel discussion emerges, dissecting the "State of the Global Workplace" report with a sharp focus and revealing significant implications for businesses in New Zealand and beyond. You can download the full report or key insights?here .

The current state of global workplaces

Patricia R. Hubbard, FHEA, SFO, MBA, MInstD of Gallup set the stage with a sobering statistic. 48% of workers end their week stressed. This figure is more than just a number; it’s a wake-up call, urging us to rethink how we engage our teams and reduce stress in the workplace.

The crucial role of leadership

Leaders are pivotal to workplace morale; their alignment with their roles can make or break a team's spirit. A vivid pilot analogy was used to illustrate this point, explaining that not everyone who works at an airline should, or wants to be a pilot, just as not everyone in a work environment is suited to manage a team. This analogy highlights the importance of ensuring that leaders are well-matched to their roles, benefiting everyone involved.

Prioritising manager support

The Institute of Managers and Leaders Australia and New Zealand Nick Everitt ’s advice resonated deeply. "Put your own oxygen mask on first." This approach to self-care is crucial; it prepares leaders to better support their teams, fostering a healthier workplace environment. The discussion also covered key strategies like succession planning and strategic role alignment to keep leaders effective and engaged.

Wider engagement strategies

Engagement must extend beyond HR. Michal Pawlowicz from Hind Management emphasised the importance of leveraging data to demonstrate the tangible benefits of engagement strategies, noting that when senior leaders are involved, the outcomes are notably better.

Strategies for boosting workplace engagement

How can we approach the impressive engagement levels of top-performing companies, which stand at 72%? Follow their lead! Make recognition and feedback an integral part of daily operations, deeply embedded in the company culture, it won't work if it's just a bolt-on.

What I loved

This joint event provided fantastic insights into pivotal strategies that can transform workplace engagement and leadership effectiveness. I look forward to many more discussions that bring together the crucial blend of leadership, data, development, and people that these organisations represent.

Reflect and share

How does your organisation measure up in these areas? Are your leaders and managers equipped to truly engage your teams? For further support, consider reaching out to Nick, Michal, Patricia, or me; we'd love to support your journey and help develop better managers and leaders for a better society!