The BLS reports an impressive increase in hiring. While we are making strides in employment and reporting impressive gains, a number of organizations are experiencing losses of a different nature. Employers today are making withdrawals from an inactive account. Period! Imagine, going to an ATM expecting to withdraw $100 with a zero balance or worse (but more accurate) a negative balance. This is the state of workplaces today. Employers are expecting more but giving less. There is an epidemic of disengaged employees that seldom have career conversations, are neither praised nor acknowledged, and far too often lack trust in their leaders. This is a BILLION dollar problem affecting U.S. companies.

There is a universal belief/expectation that HR is the checks and balances. How can you expect employees to deliver, perform, work tirelessly and dedicate themselves to the mission if they are not invested in? If employers desire to reap the rewards of sustaining trusted, loyal employees they must invest in the relationship with their employees by working collaboratively not independent of HR.

HR are public servants, “relationship brokers” that have an important role, acting as a trusted agent for the company, arranging, initiating and appearing as the go-between to ensure the company "account" is in good standing with each employee. In this role, HR are stewards coaching leaders to Trust, Communicate, and vigilantly holding leaders to a higher degree of Accountability. The future of organizations rests on changing the narrative that HR's sole function is managing the business of people but rather a strategic partner managing the relationships we have with people and relationships are built on…trust.

TAKE-AWAYS

• Examine and discuss workplace disengagement and the lack of trust in leadership
• Combat widespread organizational challenges by taking bold steps to retain top talent
• Transcend beyond hiring and focus on significantly improving employer-employee relationships