There’s a growing tension on teams right now and it’s easy to misdiagnose.
It often gets framed as a generational issue. It’s not.
It’s an issue about how the work is designed.
Gallup’s engagement data shows some of the steepest engagement drops since 2020, down 8 to 9 points. Key drivers like feeling cared about and having opportunities to grow declined significantly.
The change tells us something important.
This isn’t about work ethic or mindset. It’s about how work is structured.
Many companies are still operating inside models that have:
• Rigid hierarchies
• Slow decision-making
• Narrow definitions of performance
And those models create friction, especially for team members that expect clarity, ownership, and momentum.
The firms pulling ahead are making a shift:
• From hierarchy → contributions across teams
• From command and control → providing context
• From uniformity → intentional flexibility
This isn’t about catering to a generation. It is about being inclusive of all generations.
It’s about building an environment where great people can actually do great work.
How is your company changing your model to make it more effective for everyone?