GOOD CONVERSATIONS MATTER A foundational value of regular conversations is meant to build trust and relationship. If employees don’t trust their manager or don’t feel the relationship is sincere, every interaction and conversation remains surface-level. Conversations need to be earnest, open, and honest to be meaningful. Managers are the linchpin in every organization for how employees feel at work. — Caitlin Collins | Organizational Psychologist & Program Strategy Director, Betterworks What employees want Time and again, surveys have shown that employees crave more frequent and substantive guidance, support, and encouragement from managers — and the old annual evaluation just isn’t cutting it for 92% of them. Consider this recent report from McKinsey about what frontline employees are seeking in 2022. Among their top four concerns — along with pay — are: Job Learning Alignment Supportive growth opportunities of skills manager It’s no surprise that all four of these needs are explicitly linked to conversations with managers around performance, goals, and career growth. Yet, despite this appetite for guidance, Betterworks research shows that only 39% of employees say current check-ins are working well for them. So where is the disconnect? What are employees looking for, and how can you provide it? The Betterworks 2022 State of Performance Enablement Report provides some insights. THE MANAGER’S ULTIMATE GUIDE TO GREAT CONVERSATIONS 4