Why People Are Really Leaving Workplaces
Addressing burnout, toxic culture, and the cost of avoiding hard conversations
With the challenges facing the workforce today, it’s hard not to become jaded, but solutions can be found in humanity, Kristen Knowles told the audience in her session Restoring Humanity in the Workplace: The Real Reason People Are Leaving.
She noted that although workers are leaving workplaces at unprecedented levels, there are ways to stem the flow. “I believe humanity will actually heal us if we choose to use,” she said.
Knowles explained that toxic workplace culture and burnout are robbing us of our humanity, but steps can be taken to address them, noting that attendees are in a unique position because they’re in a human-driven industry.
According to Knowles, restoring humanity means:
- connection
- caring – on both sides
- letting your people know you
Audience members then listed what they believe is preventing that:
- insecurity
- modes of communication (specifically, how technology has changed communication)
- being busy or a lack of time
- vulnerability
- technology
- a line drawn between being process-driven and showing care
Knowles indicated that to be proactive against workforce decline, tough conversations are needed to address problems head-on rather than allowing them to fester. “You’re going to spend time one way or another” dealing with toxic behavior.
She outlined six factors that are holding us back:
- Diminishing trust from a lack of empathy and avoiding vulnerability
- Avoiding tough conversations
- Shame and blame masquerading as accountability
- Values that aren’t measured
- Perfectionism
- Lack of risk-taking due to fear of reprimand
But avoiding the tough conversations is one of the biggest issues, and she added that no one benefits when those are delayed.
Words shape culture, and dehumanization has costs in the workplace. That occurs when a group is identified and labeled; stereotypes spread and repeat; and the narrative gains momentum.
When that happens, leaders need to call out that behavior to head it off. Knowles outlined the four practices of brave leaders:
- Live into their values
- Remove blame and shame
- Be curious, humble, and lay ego aside
- Practice vulnerability
