What Do Your Employees Want to Learn? The Question Leaders Ignore

What happens when we forget the human beings behind job titles? Kristen Nielsen Donnelly, PhD, COO of Abbey Companies and founder of Abbey Research, tackles this question with refreshing candor in our conversation about workplace dynamics across generations.

Breaking from typical generational discourse filled with negativity and fatalism, Kristen offers a provocative perspective: "Nearly everything people complain about in Gen Z is the fault of the older three generations in the world." She challenges leaders to recognize how we've created systems that didn't equip younger workers with necessary coping skills, then unfairly criticize them for struggling within those very systems.

The most overlooked factor for improving workplace performance? "Remembering that they're people," Kristen states, noting how uncomfortable this simple truth makes many leaders feel. She cautions against the growing trend of AI-driven training solutions that flatten organizational culture and eliminate the nuances that make workplaces distinctive and attractive to diverse talent.

As economic conditions tighten heading toward 2025, Kristen envisions L&D professionals as champions for humanity in organizations, becoming "the clanging drum and the resounding cymbal" reminding everyone that "our people are people" amid challenging business decisions. Her bold recommendation for talent development? Start by asking employees what they want to learn beyond their current role – what skills they hope to develop during their time with your organization.

Discover more about Abbey Research's groundbreaking work on multi-generational workspaces through their website abbey-research.com, where you can access their published work, sign up for their newsletter, and stay updated on their latest findings about creating more human-centered workplaces where everyone can thrive.

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Talking About Ways To Improve Company Culture and People Performance

The People and Performance Podcast is a show that dives into all things related to raising performance in the working world around us. We investigate how technology and HR processes are inextricably linked to the employee experience and the bottom line.

Chris Bjorling, Co-host

Christopher Bjorling is President at Fidello Inc., a consulting and services firm specializing in improving human performance.

For over 30 years Chris has led Fidello in creating unique talent management solutions. Through the products and services he and his team have created over the years, his organization has helped clients design, develop, implement and integrate talent management processes and systems.

Bill Banham, Co-host

Bill Banham, Publisher at The HR Gazette, Host of the popular HRchat Podcast and Organizer of events such as DisruptHR London.

Bill has worked with lots of business tech and HR-focused brands in the UK and North America including HRreview, TalentCulture, HRmarketer, Sprigg HR, and Team Fitness Tool.

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