November 26, 2023
The Wall Street Journal recently published an article featuring Moshe Cohen, Senior Lecturer of Management and Organizations discussing how U.S. employees are more dissatisfied at work than they have been in years.
Despite wage increases, more paid time off, and greater control over where they work, employees are feeling angry, stressed, and disengaged, primarily credited to inflation and the unsettled nature of the workday. The distance between bosses and staff has led to limited trust within companies, weakening the relationship-building process among colleagues.
Cohen adds, “The idea of slowing down, taking the time, being genuine, trying to actually establish some sort of connection with the other person—that’s really missing.”
A rethinking of work life that began during the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to employee unhappiness, leading to isolation and a disconnect among workers and managers. A number of companies have reversed flexible remote-work policies – in part to boost employee engagement and productivity – only to face employee backlash.
