Leaders have long recognized the importance of a healthy workforce to driving economic productivity. But they might be surprised at the value at stake—and at the size of the employee population in less-than-fine fettle. In this episode of McKinsey Talks Talent, McKinsey talent leaders and Global Leader of the McKinsey Health Institute Lucy Pérez speak with Global Editorial Director Lucia Rahilly about new research on employee health: what it means, its vital link to value, and the steps leaders can take to create workplaces where employees thrive—and competitive advantage rises.See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

The return to office trend is reshaping workplace dynamics, contrasting leadership expectations with employee preferences. Surveys show increased in-person work, especially in sectors like healthcare and retail. Employee satisfaction varies across remote, in-person, and hybrid models, with generational differences in burnout rates. Gender dynamics also play a role, affecting job satisfaction and mentoring opportunities. Leaders face challenges in ensuring intentional engagement to foster productivity and innovation as organizations adapt to these new work models.

Time is finite and leadership pressures are legion, particularly in the throes of change. Nevertheless, the best leaders persist in cultivating generosity with their teams—and they see a range of advantages as a result. On this episode of McKinsey Talks Talent, McKinsey leaders and talent experts Brooke Weddle, Bryan Hancock, and Dana Maor  speak with global editorial director Lucia Rahilly about why—and how—to invest in generosity at work, as well as about the overarching benefits of shifting to a mindset of abundance, versus one of scarcity, for aspiring leaders.See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Dive into new research that reveals what truly motivates employees and where organizations often go wrong in performance management. Discover the essential role of clear goals and continuous feedback, alongside the transformative potential of generative AI. Explore strategies for supporting underperformers and the significant impact of financial and non-financial rewards. Address crucial gender biases that hinder women's career advancement, and learn how clarity and collaboration can rejuvenate outdated performance systems.

Everybody hurts sometimes, R.E.M. once famously sang. And if you’re in human resources, your job is to help. On this episode of McKinsey Talks Talent, McKinsey leaders and talent experts Brooke Weddle and Bryan Hancock join Wendy Miller, McKinsey’s chief people officer for North America, as well as global editorial director Lucia Rahilly, to discuss the dynamics that are making HR tougher than ever—as well as what leaders can do differently to begin turning morale around.See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Dr. Lawrence Fung, an associate professor at Stanford and director of the Stanford Neurodiversity Project, sheds light on the unique strengths neurodivergent employees bring to the workplace. He discusses the staggering 20% prevalence of neurodiversity in the population and the substantial barriers, including high unemployment, these individuals face. Dr. Fung emphasizes the need for supportive corporate cultures and universal design approaches to help neurodivergent staff thrive. He advocates for a strengths-based management style and inclusive hiring that truly values diverse capabilities.

Middle management was already a tough gig. Then generative AI (gen AI) entered the fray. A year after the publication of their book Power to the Middle: Why Managers Hold the Keys to the Future of Work (Harvard Business Review Press, July 2023), McKinsey partners Bryan Hancock and Emily Field join global editorial director Lucia Rahilly to revisit whether and why middle managers matter, what leaders could do differently to make more of the managers on their team, and how gen AI could change middle managers’ jobs—for the better. See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Brooke Weddle and Bryan Hancock share insights on addressing the shortage of skilled trade workers. They discuss the need for vocational schools, challenges in talent supply, high turnover rates, and the importance of ecosystem collaboration to attract and retain workers. They also explore the misconceptions around skilled trades and strategies for recruitment and training programs.

Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic discusses why incompetent men often rise to leadership roles, advocating for a gender-neutral approach. They explore the importance of emotional intelligence, authenticity, and hard skills in leadership selection. The podcast challenges traditional leadership traits and emphasizes the need for selecting stronger, more diverse candidates.

McKinsey partners Bryan Hancock and Brooke Weddle discuss rethinking organizational health for the new world of work. They highlight the importance of aligning on strategy, embedding it in the work environment, and continuously renewing the organization to thrive. The conversation also touches on the impact of data-driven decision-making, empowering innovation, and the connection between mobility at work and employee well-being.