The Josh Bersin Company

Don't Blame The Workers. Let's Be Honest About Productivity and Bureaucracy

Feb 21, 2025

Explore the concept of cutting through bureaucracy to boost productivity while questioning the blame placed on workers. Discover how leadership decisions, like over-hiring and unclear goals, contribute to inefficiencies. Delve into the rise of the ‘Superworker’ and how AI is reshaping roles and responsibilities within organizations. Unpack the evolving role of Chief Human Resources Officers and their impact on innovation and performance in the age of AI. This discussion pushes for accountability at the leadership level to drive real change.

20:59

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Quick takeaways

Blaming workers for inefficiencies ignores the real issues rooted in management failures and growing bureaucracy within organizations.

The evolving role of CHROs is critical in driving productivity and organizational change by fostering cross-functional collaboration and aligning leadership strategies.

Deep dives

The Consequences of Blaming Frontline Workers

It is often incorrect to blame frontline workers for a company's inefficiencies, as the real issues typically lie within management structures and leadership decisions. Many frontline employees are dedicated to their work and strive to fulfill the company's mission, despite operating in systems that may hinder their performance. For instance, companies like Boeing and Starbucks face challenges not due to the efforts of their workers but because of mismanagement and an overloaded bureaucracy. Leaders must take responsibility for organizational failure and should focus on improving management practices rather than scapegoating the employees who are trying to do their best.

Intro

5min

The Impact of Leadership on Organizational Efficiency and Talent Density

2min

Rethinking Organizational Accountability and Value Creation

4min

The Evolution of the CHRO Role in Modern Organizations

9min

This week I share perspectives on the huge theme of “taking a chainsaw to bureaucracy” and improving productivity. Is it fair to “Blame the Workers” for the bureaucracy we face?

There is a growing trend toward strategic layoffs and workforce redeployment around AI, and this is just the beginning. But rather than blaming the workers for the problem, I suggest the problem starts at the top. When leaders over-hire, fail to clarify goals, and under-invest in strong leadership alignment, bureaucracy grows as a result.

Along our new theme of “Creating the Superworker Organization,” I try to explain a new way of thinking about this challenge, and push for CEOs and CHROs to take responsibility.

Additional Information

The Rise of the Superworker: Delivering On The Promise Of AI

New Research: Secrets Of The High Performing CHRO

The Road To AI-Driven Productivity: Four Stages of Transformation