Jeremie Brecheisen, Gallup's managing partner for the Emea region, discusses the downsides of workplace loyalty. Loyal workers may not be the best ambassadors, lack fresh ideas, and are less likely to disclose wrongdoing. The 'State of the Workplace' report shows over half of employees worldwide are seeking job changes
Employee disengagement can hinder loyalty and productivity, leading to a desire for job change.
Excessive loyalty can impede innovation and growth, necessitating a balance for a dynamic work environment.
Deep dives
Challenges in Retaining Staff
Managers are facing difficulties in retaining their best employees as a significant portion of the global workforce is disengaged from their jobs. Younger staff, in particular, seek more fulfillment in their careers compared to previous generations. Retaining top talent poses a challenge, prompting questions about loyalty's impact on employees and businesses.
Impact of Employee Engagement on Loyalty
Employee engagement, defined by psychological and emotional commitment, plays a pivotal role in fostering loyalty. Disengaged employees exhibit indifference and lack discretionary effort, affecting their productivity and willingness to stay in their current roles. The link between engagement and loyalty highlights the significance of addressing indifferent behaviors to prevent a decline in loyalty and potential job changes.
Navigating Loyalty Dynamics
While loyalty is traditionally viewed as a positive trait, its drawbacks are becoming apparent in modern workplaces. Issues arise when loyalty leads to exploitation by employers or hinders organizational progress by discouraging innovation. Encouraging moderate loyalty and embracing diverse perspectives through entrepreneurial endeavors can combat stagnation and cultivate a dynamic work environment.
Most people think of loyalty as a good thing, but in a professional context, being too devoted to an employer can have damaging consequences. Disengaged workers who don’t leave their jobs will hardly make the best ambassadors for a company; longstanding employees might run out of fresh ideas; and some research shows loyal employees are less likely to cover up wrongdoing at their firms. Isabel Berwick speaks to Jeremie Brecheisen, Gallup’s managing partner for the Emea region, about the company’s annual ‘State of the Workplace’ report, which showed more than half of employees worldwide are looking to change jobs. Isabel also speaks to FT management editor Anjli Raval, about the downsides of workplace loyalty.
Presented by Isabel Berwick, produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval, mixed by Simon Panayi. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Cheryl Brumley is the FT’s head of audio.