If managers fail to inspire, we will dismantle Canada’s economic engine

leadership lab

Jodi Kovitz is the chief executive officer of the Human Resources Professional Association (HRPA)

It is time for Canada to inspire, build confidence in our future and empower our people.

Across boardrooms and industries, we are making daily decisions about productivity, cost control and flexibility that, together, could be eroding the belief systems of our people. We may be draining purpose from work, replacing inspiration with compliance, and mistaking attendance for engagement. If that continues, we risk not just damaging culture, but quietly dismantling Canada’s economic engine – employee engagement.

Global research shows that only 21 per cent of employees are engaged at work, down from 23 per cent a year earlier. The resulting loss of discretionary effort and innovat