Dive Brief:
- A culture of confidence may boost both worker retention and productivity, according to Indeed survey findings released Jan. 23.
- Nearly all employee respondents (98%) said they perform better when they feel confident; 96% also said they're more likely to stay at a company when they feel confident.
- "Employers can — and should — nurture this quality across the workforce," Liz Lewis, Indeed writer and researcher, wrote about the results. "Promote a company-wide culture of confidence by hiring and promoting strong managers, recognizing and supporting employees, prioritizing clear communication and offering opportunities for professional development and advancement."
Dive Insight:
Despite the rise of technology in the workplace, research shows employers have placed great value on soft skills — including confidence — in recent years. A confident workforce, as Indeed notes, can be resilient, productive and loyal.
The workplace may be overdue for a confidence boost, too, especially when it comes to managers. Only half of employees in a 2019 Gartner survey reported having confidence that their leaders can lead their organizations into the future. "Leaders today have more responsibilities than ever, but are ill-equipped to take on their expanded roles," Sari Wilde, Gartner's managing VP in its HR practice, said in a statement about the findings.
To lead a culture shift, HR will need leadership's buy-in and commitment, experts previously told HR Dive, as well as a clear, concrete plan. Culture lives in the words, actions and thoughts within an organization, the pros say, and relies on regular culture management.
