As we charge into 2025, one thing is clear: it’s time for leaders to shift their perspectives. Gallup’s recent studies show that respect in the workplace is at an all-time low, and employee engagement has hit a 10-year low. These aren’t just numbers; they represent a growing group of real people feeling disconnected, undervalued, and unmotivated.
The good news? Leaders have a fantastic opportunity to transform their workplace culture. By focusing on simple relationship-building skills, they can rebuild trust, reignite engagement, and transform workplace culture so that people can truly thrive. Here’s what organizational leadership should focus on in 2025:
Make Respect the Foundation
Respect isn’t a “nice-to-have”; it is the heart of collaboration. When employees feel disrespected, morale and productivity decline at truly alarming rates. Gallup’s recent article shows that employees’ general feelings of disrespect are a growing issue, so it’s time to take action.
Leaders need to go beyond surface-level gestures. Building respect means creating an environment where each employee feels valued not just for their work but for themselves as a person. A simple way to show respect is by practicing intentional inclusion; take time to make sure your employees’ voices are heard and considered. When people feel respected, they’re more likely to collaborate. And when that happens, innovation and productivity skyrocket.
Rebuild Trust with Clear and Honest Communication
Engagement and trust are closely tied together. Employees want leaders who communicate openly and are willing to accept feedback. No one likes being left in the dark about changes or decisions that directly affect them, especially if they don’t understand the reason for the change in the first place!
To rebuild trust, make communication a two-way street. Leaders should regularly share updates on goals, challenges, and plans while also encouraging employees to share their thoughts and feedback. And let’s be honest: being unable to admit a mistake is one of the easiest ways to break trust. Acknowledging when things go wrong and outlining how you’ll fix them is one of the fastest ways to earn respect and loyalty.
Approach Hybrid Work with Empathy
Hybrid work isn’t going anywhere. For many employees, flexibility is a game-changer, but it also comes with challenges like isolation and communication gaps. The key here is empathy.
Leaders should be intentional about creating connection and equity in hybrid setups. Provide employees with the tools they need to collaborate effectively, regardless of where they work. Focus on outcomes instead of who’s in the office the most. Make a conscious effort to cultivate team cohesion, whether it’s through regular check-ins, virtual coffee chats, or team-building activities. Done right, hybrid work can be a win-win for everyone.
Put Well-Being Front and Center
Unfortunately, employee burnout continues to plague organizations,, and it only seems to be getting worse. Leaders who prioritize well-being send a clear message: “We care about you as a person, not just as a worker.”
Start by creating programs that address physical, mental, and emotional health. Promoting work-life balance shouldn’t be just a platitude! When people feel supported, they are more productive and engaged, directly benefiting both the organization and the employees.
Be Thoughtful with Technology
Technology – especially AI – is transforming how we work, but it can be a double-edged sword. Leaders need to approach this transformation thoughtfully.
There’s a growing problem with how organizations implement new technology, though. Often, employees don’t understand the technology’s benefits and end up playing out Mauer’s 3 Levels of Resistance model: I don’t get it, I don’t like it, I don’t like you.
Employees need to feel like technology is working for them. That means providing training to help them adapt and grow alongside new tools. It also means being transparent about how technology will be used in the workplace. With all these puzzle pieces in place, new technology can lead to more productive and collaborative teams.
Create a Culture of Continuous Learning
The world is changing fast, and employees want to keep up. Leaders should find ways to offer and encourage opportunities for development. When employees feel like they have the chance to grow, they’re more likely to stay engaged because they feel like their leaders care about them.
Options like offering mentorship, coaching, and meaningful workshops can make a big difference. When leaders invest in their people’s growth, it shows that they’re invested in their future.
Recognize and Reward Your People
Everyone likes to feel appreciated. Yet, too often, employees’ efforts go unnoticed. Recognition isn’t just a nice gesture—it’s a powerful engagement tool.
This can take many forms, from formal awards to a simple “thank you” during a team meeting. What matters is that leaders make it a habit to acknowledge contributions regularly and genuinely. When employees feel seen and appreciated, they’re far more likely to go above and beyond.
Embrace Generational Diversity
Today’s workforce spans more generations than ever before, each with its own values and working styles. Though this is often a cause of tension and can lead to cliques, leaders should treat this as an opportunity to learn. Offer multiple communication channels, provide remote or hybrid work options, and create opportunities for cross-generational mentorship. Studies show that embracing diversity of thought among teams, ideas, and different perspectives spurs innovation.
Let 2025 Be the Year of Transformation
The challenges we’re facing in the workplace aren’t insurmountable—they’re opportunities for growth By focusing on skills and actions that strengthen relationships and genuinely engage employees, leaders can create workplaces that people are excited to be part of.
Employees don’t just want a paycheck – they want purpose, connection, and respect. And when leaders deliver on those fronts, everyone wins. Let’s make 2025 the year we build the kind of workplaces where everyone can thrive.
