Report cites 'crucial intersection where organizational success meets human need'
Being seen and being heard by direct supervisors at work can significantly improve human and business outcomes in workplaces, including engagement, retention, and profit.
This is according to a new report commissioned by Quantum Connections, which surveyed more than 12,000 employees across 49 industries.
It found that when employees feel seen and heard by their immediate supervisors, they are at least 55% more likely to contribute to ideas.
They are also 44% more likely to admit mistakes without fear and 39% more likely to take calculated risks.
According to the report, employees who feel seen and heard are also at least 31% less likely to think about leaving their employer once a week, and are likely to stay with the employer for an additional 9.5 months.
These employees also experience 38.7% greater profitability than those who don't feel seen and heard, the report noted.
"Our work has proven that the relationship between employees and their direct supervisors represents the crucial intersection where organizational success meets human need," Dennis S. Holland, CEO of Quantum Connections, said in a statement.
"The degree to which employees feel seen and heard by their immediate supervisor is directly correlated to the key performance indicators of employee engagement, retention, and profitability."
Holland said their research underscores the importance of investing in fundamental human connection in workplaces, especially in the wake of widespread disengagement among employees.
Gallup's 2024 State of the Global Workplace report revealed that only 23% of employees feel engaged, similar to engagement levels reported a year prior.
On the other hand, 62% do not feel engaged and 15% are "actively disengaged."
Source: Gallup's 2024 State of the Global Workplace report
"Our research definitively shows that when we invest in fundamental human connection — particularly between supervisors and their teams — we're not just addressing the global crisis of workplace detachment, we're unlocking the full potential of our people and our organisations," Holland said.
Andrea Herron, vice president of HR at WebMD Health Services, previously stressed that feeling heard at work is an important part of any successful relationship.
In a blog post on WebMD Health Services, she outlined five recommendations that employers can do to make employees feel heard at work. They are:
"By following these tips you can create a positive work environment where employees feel comfortable voicing their opinions, leading to greater engagement and satisfaction," Herron said in the article.
"Plus, regularly listening to your employees can surface different points of view and new ideas that contribute to better business results."
