The Great Resignation and the Future of Work | Aaron McEwan

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped society as we know it. In this post-pandemic world, the balance of power has shifted from employer to employee. Workers are demanding respect and expecting a greater quality of life, in many cases refusing a return to the traditional office.

So what happens when companies can no longer rely on culture and on-premise experience to attract and retain employees? And how can companies adapt and thrive in this new environment?

Behavioral scientist, psychologist, and futurist, Aaron McEwan believes that businesses must place people at the center.

Harnessing data and insights that focus on personalizing employees’ experiences, allowing for flexibility and autonomy, and rethinking the purpose of traditional office spaces IS the future of work.

In this episode, Dart and Aaron talk about the Great Resignation, how the pandemic reshaped society, the “Netflix Experience” and personalization, how employers underestimated the workforce and how remote workers proved them wrong, the future of workplaces, and much more.

Topics Include:
- What business leaders are most worried about
- The commoditization of work
- The feasibility of personalized work experiences
- What all managers need to know about employees
- The challenge of understanding employee desires
- The role of managers in the future
- How we consistently underestimate the workforce
- The anti-work movement
- And other topics…

Aaron McEwan is a behavioral scientist, psychologist, and futurist. He was recently named a Top 100 Global HR Influencer and one of 5 HR Leaders to Follow in 2022. As VP, Research & Advisory for Gartner’s HR Practice, Aaron provides strategic advice to the world’s leading companies on the future of work and talent and helps leaders manage their most critical relationships across the c-suite and board.

Alongside his current role, Aaron is a Fellow of the Australian Human Resources Institute, serves on the national committee for the Australian Psychological Society’s Interest Group in Coaching Psychology, and is an Associate of Macquarie University’s Centre for Workforce Futures.

Aaron has lectured at Sydney Business School, University of Wollongong, University of NSW, University of Queensland, Griffith University, and the Australian College of Applied Psychology and was a member of Innovation Nation, a cross-industry initiative sponsored by the Office of the Prime Minister to elevate Australia’s reputation for entrepreneurship and innovation.

Resources Mentioned:
- James C. Scott: https://politicalscience.yale.edu/people/james-scott
- Weapons of the Weak by James C. Scott: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0300036418 

Work with Dart:
Dart is the CEO and co-founder of the work design firm 11fold. Build work that makes employees feel alive, connected to their work, and focused on what’s most important to the business. Book a call at 11fold.com.