Good morning. Executive leadership often relies on managers to translate company culture to their teams—a process that includes explaining how corporate values enter into daily work and decision-making. In recent times, though, many managers have themselves felt detached from company culture, but that could be changing.
New research by Gallup finds that despite facing a steady decline from 2021 to the start of 2024, managers’ connection to culture is up four percentage points from its lowest point in recent years.
The reality is that managers have been struggling since the pandemic. Many feel burned out or are even looking for a new job, and feel their company doesn't care about their wellbeing. The report's findings highlight an opportunity for leaders to build on positive momentum, according to Gallup.
Leaders understand that culture is critical, but it starts at the top. “When leaders are consistent about their culture, living it out in words and actions, employees are more likely to feel connected to that culture and more likely to think that culture is excellent,” Gallup states in the report.
Managers need clear expectations when it comes to culture. That means leaders must intentionally incorporate cultural values into communications, meetings, and even employee recognition, the research finds.
Cultural values also need to resonate with employees during critical times. For example, as the Nov. 5 presidential election draws near, political uncertainty is a top concern for business leaders.
And the risk of politics disrupting the workplace is not hypothetical. A Gartner, Inc. survey released in February 2020 found that 78% of employees reported discussing politics at work, and 47% reported that the U.S. 2020 presidential election had impacted their ability to get work done.
When it comes to politics: “Unfortunately, what we are seeing is a trickle down into our homes and our workplace, where a large swath of Americans, recently, within the last couple of years, feel alienated from someone else,” according to Peter T. Coleman, a professor of psychology and education at Columbia University.
How will C-suite leaders and managers need to work together to handle potential conflict? You can learn more about what Coleman and other experts have to say here.
Have a good weekend.
Sheryl Estrada
sheryl.estrada@fortune.com
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The following sections of CFO Daily were curated by Greg McKenna
