A research study commissioned by Quantum Connections has uncovered a powerful but often overlooked driver of business success: employee connection. The study, conducted by global behavioral research leader Sentient Decision Science, surveyed more tham 12,000 employees across 49 industries and found that when employees feel seen and heard in their workplace, both human and business outcomes improve dramatically.
The importance of measuring employees’ feelings of connection (being seen and heard) becomes evident when we consider that, according to LinkedIn’s latest Workforce Confidence Survey, seven in 10 U.S. workers say they would leave a job if they had a bad manager.
“Our work has proven that the relationship between employees and their direct supervisors represents the crucial intersection where organizational success meets human need,” says Dennis S. Holland, CEO of Quantum Connections. “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.”
The proprietary research reveals that a connected workforce has lower attrition rates, leading to years of additional employee tenure. Business performance follows, with increased profits. It turns out that the drivers of increased employee retention and company profitability are rooted in deeper employee engagement. Work environments where employees feel connected foster a workforce that actively contributes to company success.
When employees’ feelings of being seen and heard increase, businesses see the following impact.
- Increased engagement. Employees at 55% more likely to contribute ideas, 44% more likely to admit mistakes without fear, and 39% more likely to take calculated risks—all behaviors that drive innovation and team cohesion.
- Increased retention. Employees are 31% less likely to think about leaving their employer once a week and are likely to stay with the employer an additional 9.5 months, at a minimum—reducing the need for costly rehiring and retraining.
- Increased profitability. Fully connected workforces experience 38.7% greater profitability than fully disconnected workforces—fueling sustained business growth and stability.
“This study represents more than the validation of a new measurement tool; it offers a practical roadmap for organizations seeking to build more connected and productive workplaces in today’s complex business environment,” Holland says. “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 organizations.”
