Post-Election Moves

The US election has been many things for many people, but for quite a few business leaders, it’s often been a reason to sit on their hands. Indeed, nearly one-third of financial decision-makers surveyed this year by the Federal Reserve cited the election to explain why they’ve postponed, scaled back, delayed, or canceled their firm’s plans.

But once the election is decided that reason will go away. Korn Ferry experts delve into what leaders might consider doing once things are determined. Next, we look at why almost half of workers in tech roles plan to find another job soon. Plus, if you’re one of the many people who’s in a funk at work, our experts have suggestions about how you can break out of it (doing the bare minimum won’t help).??

1) The Leadership Election ‘Excuse’

It’s why tech firms have held back on some hiring. It’s why supply-chain leaders have waited to commit to new partners. And according to a survey by the Federal Reserve, the uncertainty around the US elections is why nearly one-third of financial decision-makers have postponed, scaled back, delayed, or canceled their firm’s investing plans.

But once the ballots are counted—in a week, or maybe a little longer—that excuse may no longer apply. Indeed, experts say leaders will soon be unable to cite the presidential elections as a reason to delay decision-making. It’s about time, they add. For many leaders, experts say, the election has been a big distraction.

While stakeholders have been willing to accommodate delays thus far, their patience could wear thin. “If you just keep waiting for outcomes for other people’s decisions, you’ll never get on with your own agenda,” says?Anthony Goodman , a senior client partner and head of Korn Ferry’s Board Effectiveness practice.

Read the full article here.

2) A Tech-Worker Exodus?

For years, the tech worker would receive one to two messages each week from recruiters looking to fill roles. This season, she’s receiving one to two?per day, and she’s taking them seriously, despite having just started a new job over the summer.

At a time when much of the job market remains tight, one group of workers appears headed for a heyday of opportunities. According to a recent report, a remarkable 44% of tech employees plan to take a new job in the next 12 months. The same survey found that four in ten transitioned into tech from another career. Experts say that a possible exodus of workers could spell serious trouble for the countless firms racing to adjust to AI.

Read the full article here.

3) 4 Ways to Avoid ‘Check the Box’ Syndrome

It’s easier than ever to apply for a job. It’s also harder than ever to land one.

You’ve worked too many hours. Or you’ve had too much work piled on you. Or you’ve worked on projects you find meaningless. Or you’ve had to commute to the office too often. Or all four. Whatever the reason, you are burned out.

You think you have an answer for this: Just do the minimum—you know, complete tasks, but nothing more. You’re not alone. With 2 in 5 workers dissatisfied with their jobs, according to?the Conference Board, just checking the box is a new norm. Many people are reverting to doing the minimum.

There’s one problem: This choice might cost you your career. Managers, who usually notice a drop in performance, could apply more pressure—which can result in even more burnout. Forty-four percent of workers report burnout, according to?data from the Society for Human Resource Management. So how can you avoid feeling squeezed? Our experts have some options.

Read the full article here.

Other Must-Reads from Korn Ferry

• An Epidemic of Dissatisfaction - A new survey shows that four out of five employees feel they are not thriving at work, and more than half are dissatisfied with their jobs and pay.
• So Many RTO Rule Breakers - One in five workers don’t follow their company’s return-to-office policy, whatever it is, according to a new survey. How smart leaders are responding.
• Falling Back, Moving Forward - Korn Ferry CEO Gary Burnison warns leaders about the risks of getting locked in the past.

Check out?Briefings , our bimonthly national magazine, for in-depth and unusual looks at critical leadership issues.