Out with the old, in with the new! If your approach to HR and people management is still channeling the “tough love” mindset, it’s time to reconsider. 

We’ve all encountered the hard-nosed manager who believes that a strict, no-nonsense approach is the key to success. You know the one, the HR rep who “makes an example of everyone”, allows employee meetings to descend into raised voices and overly harsh corrective actions; the leader who “motivates” by name calling and only communicates the negative, the manager who shouts at you across the office when you’re a couple of minutes late back from lunch.

But guess what? The research tells a different story.

The Gallup Truth: Engagement Matters

Gallup, the king of workplace analytics (and the tool we use to measure employee engagement), has been waving a red flag about disengagement for years. According to their latest findings, only 25% of Australian employees are engaged at work. The remaining 75% are either not engaged or actively disengaged (and working against your business). Why? A big part of the problem is rigid, authoritarian management styles.

Gallup’s research highlights that employees who feel cared for by their managers are 71% less likely to experience burnout. So, if you’re still running your team with an iron fist, you’re likely contributing to a cycle of disengagement and high turnover. And turnover, as we know, is costly. Cha-ching!

McCrindle’s Millennials: The Need for Connection

Enter Mark McCrindle, the guru of generational research. His studies show that Millennials and Gen Z prioritise a positive work environment over almost everything else. These generations have been vocal about their need for meaningful work and supportive leadership.

The key takeaway from the McCrindle research is that young employees aren’t leaving for better opportunities, they are leaving because you’ve given them no compelling reason to stay.

A hard-nosed approach? It’s a fast track to losing your top talent. McCrindle’s research reveals that 75% of Millennials would take a pay cut to work for a socially responsible company. Translation: they value culture over cash. If your management style is stuck in the past, you’re not just losing people—you’re losing the future.

Josh Bersin’s Take: Employee Experience is Everything

Josh Bersin, a heavyweight in HR thought leadership, reinforces this with his focus on the employee experience. Bersin argues that companies thriving today are those investing in their people’s growth and wellbeing. His research shows that organisations with a strong focus on employee experience are 2.8 times more likely to be in the top quartile of organisational performance.

So, what’s the takeaway? The tough love approach is out. Empathy and support are in. Your employees aren’t just cogs in a machine—they’re your greatest asset. When you treat them as such, everyone wins.

Making the Shift: From Hard-Nosed to Heartfelt

So, how do you transition from a hard-nosed approach to a more supportive one? Start small:

1. Listen More: Foster an environment where employees feel heard. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions can make a world of difference.
2. Recognise and Reward: Celebrate achievements, big and small. Recognition boosts morale and encourages engagement.
3. Invest in Growth: Provide opportunities for learning and development. When employees see a future with your company, they’re more likely to stay.

The Bottom Line

Businesses exist to achieve results and meet a need. What achieves results? Actions! What drives actions? Beliefs formed about the workplace! What forms those beliefs? The employee experience!

Want different results? Create a different experience!

The hard-nosed approach to HR and people management is outdated and counterproductive. Gallup, Mark McCrindle, and Josh Bersin’s research collectively emphasise the importance of a human-centered approach. By prioritising employee engagement, positive leadership, wellbeing, and innovation, you can build a thriving workplace that attracts and retains top talent.

It’s time to ditch the tough exterior and embrace a more compassionate, forward-thinking approach to HR. Your employees – and your bottom line – will thank you.

Ready to make the shift? Let’s chat about how we can transform your HR approach and create a more engaged, productive workforce. Your company’s success depends on it.

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If you would like a strategic approach tailored to your specific business needs contact us to arrange an obligation free chat about how we can help.Through impactful HR we create a positive employee experience every time.We aim to create future-focused, people centred HR solutions to accelerate organisational and employee wellbeing, engagement and performance by making HR easy.

THE PEOPLE & CULTURE OFFICE SUPPORTS HR TEAMS AND ORGANISATIONS AUSTRALIA-WIDE TO TAKE A FRESH APPROACH TOWARDS THEIR PEOPLE AND CULTURE FUNCTION.