Hogan Assessments, global leader in workplace personality assessments, has identified the three most important characteristics of effective leadership to support occupational wellbeing.
May 20, 2024, TULSA, Okla. - Amidst the diverse cultural and economic landscapes, occupational wellbeing remains a critical concern globally, echoing the challenges witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Gallup, 44% of workers worldwide reported experiencing workplace stress, a statistic that has remained relatively unchanged since 2020. Leadership plays a pivotal role in mental wellbeing and stress at work and can significantly shape employees' lives.
Hogan Assessments expert Ryne Sherman, PhD, explains: "Occupational wellbeing reflects how an individual's professional life impacts their sense of purpose and meaning, a matter that has become increasingly urgent post-COVID-19, as remote work blurs the boundaries between personal and professional." Critical factors contributing to occupational wellbeing include mental and emotional support from leaders and employers, a sense of purpose at work, personal support from leaders, and financial stability.
Leaders directly engage with employees on a daily basis. Their behavior, decisions, and communication styles significantly shape employees' work experiences and overall wellbeing.
Although organizations globally are increasingly implementing initiatives such as flexible work arrangements and wellness programs to support wellbeing, the primary responsibility for employee wellbeing lies with leaders.
Top Three Leadership Characteristics to Support Occupational Wellbeing:
Interpersonal Sensitivity: Leaders adept at understanding and empathizing with their team members' emotions foster strong relationships, conflict resolution, and positive interactions, enhancing overall employee wellbeing.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Leaders with high emotional intelligence create psychologically safe environments where employees feel comfortable expressing themselves, thereby promoting open communication and enhancing occupational wellbeing.
Strategic Self-Awareness: Leaders who understand their strengths, limitations, and impact on others can adapt their leadership style to prioritize activities conducive to employee wellbeing, fostering a positive work environment.
American Leadership Key Characteristics
According to Hogan, American leaders stand out for their individualistic mindset, innovative approach, technological proficiency, and commitment to diversity, setting them apart from their counterparts around the world.
“They stand out for their emphasis on individualism and independence, reflecting cultural values of personal achievement and autonomy. This translates into their leadership styles, where they prioritize self-expression and autonomy in decision-making. They're known for embracing risks and change, fostering a dynamic business environment. This sets them apart from leaders elsewhere who may be more conservative,” comments Dr Sherman.
For individuals who may not inherently possess leadership traits, those skills can be trained. According to Hogan Assessments, leadership comprises a combination of personality traits, behaviors, and skills that can be developed over time through self-awareness, learning, and practice.
“Bad leaders perpetrate terrible misery on those subject to their domain,” said Robert Hogan, PhD, founder of Hogan Assessments. However, it is important to note that individuals are responsible for their happiness and wellbeing and employers cannot be held solely responsible. In fact, it's a joint effort - employees must safeguard their wellbeing and employers should provide wellbeing support, mitigate stressors and foster a work environment that is conducive to happiness.
About Hogan Assessments: The international leader in personality insights, Hogan Assessments produces valid, reliable personality assessments grounded in decades’ worth of research. More than 75% of the Fortune 500 use Hogan’s talent acquisition and development solutions to hire the right people without bias, boost productivity, reduce turnover, and promote diversity and inclusion. For more information, visit hoganassessments.com.
Comments