A Gallup study shows leaders are facing the lowest levels of engagement since 2020 with 3.2 million fewer engaged workers since 2023 and about $2 trillion in lost productivity, according to Inc.
Study respondents said they do not believe their supervisor—or anyone at work—cares about them as a person. In 2020, 54% of millennial and Gen Z employees felt someone cared about them compared with just 41% in 2025.
Inc. shares the following core skills every leader should hone to improve employee satisfaction and engagement.
- Flexibility. Different employees require different approaches. It is crucial to meet people where they are, adapt behaviors accordingly, and be sensitive and responsive to the needs of others.
- Reading cues. It is important to understand what is being said—and what is unsaid—in interactions. According to the University of Texas, 55% of communication is through body language, 38% through tone of voice and only 7% through the words conveyed. Leaders must be able to detect subtle shifts in tone, body posture, demeanor and language. For example, if you notice someone who seems anxious and fidgety, you can check in and see how they are feeling.
- Self-regulation. To stay connected to others, you need to be in a calm, comfortable place. Awareness and responsiveness to internal emotional states can help leaders better manage and modify them moment to moment. This can create increased resilience to challenges and the emotions of others.
- Collaboration. For leaders to be attuned to team members, the relationship must be balanced and reciprocal. With collaboration, individuals and teams work together toward a common goal in a state of connection and mutual responsiveness.
