New research reveals that the key to boosting staff engagement even in the midst of staff burnout and increasing talent mobility is a truly autonomous workplace that prioritises staff wellbeing and meaningful contributions to the wider community.
The Powering Profits and Prosperity report from The Access Group shows that organisations employing an autonomous working style deliver on average 13 per cent better across critical outcomes including customer loyalty, financial performance, and retaining talent. Autonomous workers are also more likely to be engaged (45 per cent vs 31 per cent), willing to go above and beyond at work (45 per cent vs 30 per cent) and stay at their organisation longer (54 per cent vs 38 per cent).
“As the cost of living soars and a recession looms, organisations cannot afford to take the hit of staff burnout, which cost Australian businesses almost $11 billion last year,” John Maley, Asia Pacific Head of Human Resources at The Access Group, said. “Never has it been more important to reassess what contributes to a thriving, long-lasting business, and listen to what drives the people behind it.”
As well as seeking autonomy, the study shows that Australians are increasingly looking for workplaces that emphasise staff psychological wellbeing and societal responsibility. While 69 per cent rated a good salary and job security as highly important, a similar proportion (65 per cent) felt it was important to have rewarding, meaningful work that offers opportunity for growth. Additionally, a majority of workers want to see organisations prioritise staff wellbeing (56 per cent) and a positive impact on the wider community (53 per cent).
“While climate and environmental concerns are increasingly driving conversations and the news agenda, interestingly on average just 49 per cent of respondents considered environmental responsibility as highly important in a workplace,” Maley noted. “Diversity is also a key driver, with 61 per cent of people valuing transparent employment processes that provide equal opportunities.”
Across the board, autonomous workers are more satisfied that their organisations are performing in line with their values than those in command-and-control environments, particularly in the following aspects:
- Rewarding and meaningful work (55 per cent autonomous vs 40 per cent command and control).
- A fair and transparent employment process (55 per cent vs 40 per cent).
- A good salary and job security (52 per cent vs 50 per cent).
- Raising living standards across the community (49 per cent vs 32 per cent).
- Diversity in the workplace (52 per cent vs 45 per cent).
“As a new generation of workers emerge, autonomy, societal responsibility and personal well-being are fast becoming top priorities,” Kerry Agiasotis, President of The Access Group Asia Pacific, said. “Our research shows organisations that deliver here will clearly benefit from a more connected and engaged workforce and this is what drives not only profits, but true prosperity in the long run.
“An essential part of achieving the autonomy Australians want is of course through effective processes and technology, which enable teams and gives individuals the freedom to do more,” Agiasotis added. “This is how we unlock true passion and discretionary effort, and ensures that our people are engaged and working with a sense of purpose that is required to deliver the long-term prosperity every organisation strives to achieve.”
