Gregory P. Crawford, President of Miami University of Ohio, recently highlighted the issue of disengaged workers in the global workforce. According to Gallup’s “State of the Global Workplace: 2023 Report,” more than half of working people are searching for new jobs, with almost 60% of workers engaging in “quiet quitting” and less than one-fourth being happily engaged. This lack of engagement is estimated to cost the global economy $8.8 trillion.
Younger employees are especially dissatisfied, with a LinkedIn and CensusWide survey revealing that nearly three-fourths of Gen Zers and two-thirds of millennials are considering changing careers in the next year. This dissatisfaction is often attributed to a lack of alignment with an organization’s culture and values, resulting in what Crawford refers to as being a “good fit.” Better management practices, such as addressing issues related to engagement and culture, could help alleviate this disconnect.
Crawford emphasizes the importance of hiring individuals who can add value to the organization, the team, and the future. A good culture add should align with the organization’s vision, mission, and values, bringing fresh perspectives and skill sets to the team. Diversity in experience and mindset is crucial for fostering innovation and achieving shared goals. Crawford stresses the need for critical thinking, openness to new ideas, and respectful dialogue within a diverse team environment.
In addition to contributing to the team, a good culture add should also help elevate the organization’s expectations and drive towards greater excellence. By hiring individuals who bring new dimensions to the organization and support its goals, leaders can ensure long-term success and sustainability. Crawford suggests using interviews to gauge a candidate’s ability to set expectations, articulate bold ideas, and inspire others to continuously strive for improvement.
Building a strong organization is compared to assembling a complex jigsaw puzzle, where each piece represents a unique individual who must fit seamlessly into the existing structure. The goal is to create a cohesive and powerful team that can work together towards common objectives. By focusing on hiring individuals who align with the organization’s values, add value to the team, and contribute to its future success, leaders can create a culture of excellence and innovation.
