Reference no: EM133109453

Following the global pandemic, many companies are experiencing issues with acquiring new hires, retaining talent, and improving organizational performance while lowering their turnover rates. Even though many businesses are back and ready to hire, there are many factors holding jobseekers back including fear of exposure to COVID or other potential variants. The U.S. labor market has become historically tight, where the supply of available jobs is far outweighing the workforce shortage. "Workers quit their jobs in record numbers in November," (Cox, 2022). The "Great Resignation of 2021" has caused disruptions in business operations nationwide, as many people are choosing to leave their jobs. The current job market has left many American workers seeking higher pay, a more flexible schedule, remote work options, etc. Employers can drive retention by making their top priority creating a better employee experience, with focus on health and wellness initiatives and implementing better benefits programs. Doing so can improve upon employee satisfaction, engagement, and productivity. However, "many companies are not necessarily being more accommodating, continuing to favor candidates with several years of experience in their industry, more availability to work evening or weekend hours, or a preference for those willing to work in-person." Prioritizing employee wellness has become more important than ever. This topic of leadership is one many companies are addressing currently. A good leader faces challenges such as how to balance employee's external issues with business needs. Many factors can influence an employee's performance and behavior in the workplace.

On this topic of Prioritizing Employee Wellness, following the COVID pandemic, what additional points (beyond what I've written above) would you make?

Please answer the following questions, kindly providing me with as much thoroughness and detail as possible. Citations or sources are necessary, as well. Thank you:

1. How can companies improve on productivity and motivate employees to improve performance, behaviors, and attitudes in workplaces? Many American workers are unwilling to become employed right now. At the same time, with this massive job pool, some actively seeking employment are unable to secure a job. Please explain why this might be.

2. How can a good leader balance business needs with employee's external issues? Should business needs be put first, or the well-being and mental health of the employee? How can a good leader take care of both sides - achieving productivity and financial goals for the business, but also retaining valuable employees?

3. Why are so many people quitting their jobs? How has COVID impacted workers?

4. Many companies are striving to improve benefits and incentive programs, as well as focusing on well-being initiatives. Is there more companies need to do to improve their turnover rates? Will this alone fix the issue America is facing? Is this issue happening outside of the U.S., on a global level?