The Workplace Experience Employees are Seeking

Cathie Leimbach • November 14, 2022

Today, more than ever, employees are looking for non-monetary benefits in the workplace. Even more important to them than money is well-being. They want their work to matter and they want the workplace to enrich their emotional health. They are seeking work that is aligned with their values, leverages their strengths, and enhances their sense of belonging.

Yet, currently, many are experiencing the opposite. Their work isn’t satisfying, isn’t a right-fit for their strengths, and is rife with negativity. At the end of the day, they often feel frustrated and emotionally drained.  41% of the workforce is looking for another job. At least 20% will change employers this year. It is estimated that orienting new employees and getting them up to speed costs US companies $500 billion per year. That is a huge drain on our economy.

Let’s understand more about the discouraging aspects of the employee experience. Below are the 5 top reasons employees quit. (The total is more that 100% because many people stated multiple reasons for leaving.)

 

Reasons Employees Quit

  1. Lack of career development opportunities (41%}
  2. Lack of competitive pay (36%)
  3. Uncaring/uninspiring leaders (34%)
  4. Lack of meaningful work (31%)
  5. Unsustainable work expectations (29%)

   

Which of the above are challenges at your workplace? If you don’t know but wish you did, contact Cathie Leimbach at cathie@agonleadership.com to explore doing a Free Culture and Engagement Survey within your company.

What can you and your organization do to improve your employees’ experience, reducing turnover and frustration? Watch for next week’s ezine for some actions that hit the mark.

Wrapping Up Your Year – Celebrate Your Wins

By Cathie Leimbach • December 16, 2025
As you’re wrapping presents this season, it’s also a great time to wrap up your year with intention. The end of the year offers a natural pause—a chance to reflect, appreciate, and celebrate the people who made a difference along the way. At work, we often move from one deadline to the next without stopping to say thank you. Take a moment to recognize your teammates. Maybe it’s the coworker who always had your back, or the leader who helped you stretch and grow. A sincere “thank you” or a short handwritten note can go a long way. It doesn’t need to be elaborate—just genuine. The same holds true in your personal life. When was the last time you told a friend or family member how much they mean to you? Between holiday plans and to-do lists, it’s easy to forget that our presence often matters more than any present. Every year brings both highs and lows. As this one comes to a close, choose to focus on what went right. Celebrate the small wins and acknowledge the people who supported you through the challenging moments. So, while you’re taping up gift boxes, take a little time to wrap up your year with gratitude. Send the text. Write the card. Let people know they’re valued. After all, the most meaningful gift you can give is helping someone feel truly appreciated. Want more simple, meaningful ways to express appreciation—without overspending?  👉 View Sharing Joy at Work Without Breaking the Bank for practical ideas you can use right away.

Connectional Intelligence: The Power Skill Behind Big Results

By Cathie Leimbach • December 9, 2025
In Erica Dhawan’s book, Get Big Things Done, she defines Connectional Intelligence as the ability to combine knowledge, networks, and relationships to drive meaningful results. In today’s busy workplace, it’s not just what you know—it’s how well you connect that turns good ideas into big outcomes. Strong Connectional Intelligence within a team strengthens workplace morale and productivity by impacting four key attributes of high-performance cultures: Value Visibly – People perform better when they know their contributions matter. Leaders who highlight strengths, acknowledge effort, and celebrate progress create a culture where great work becomes contagious. Communicate Carefully – In an age of nonstop messages, clarity is a competitive advantage. Thoughtful communication reduces confusion, prevents conflict, and ensures that everyone moves forward with shared understanding. Collaborate Confidently – Connectional Intelligence flourishes when people feel empowered to contribute. Confident collaboration means inviting diverse perspectives, leveraging individual superpowers, and creating space for smart problem-solving. Trust Totally – Trust is the anchor of all high-performing teams. When leaders show reliability, transparency, and empathy, people take risks, share ideas, and stay aligned toward common goals. Connectional Intelligence helps teams innovate faster, break down silos, and accomplish what truly matters. Want to learn more? Visit Erica Dhawan’s website to explore her full body of work and deepen your understanding of Connectional Intelligence.