A spotlight on conscious leadership: a modern approach to workplace culture

What makes the difference?

In the wake of recent global challenges and a post-pandemic work market, a profound transformation took place in how we approach both personal and professional life. Nearing the end of 2020, people began to slow down, and-in the newfound space and time-mental health came to the forefront of discussion. When society was unable to engage in external activities, individuals turned inward, leading to a widespread elevation of mental-health awareness and a reprioritization of work, life, and leisure with a focus on holistic well-being. Now, four years later, this same expectation is manifesting across all business sectors, as employees increasingly seek out conscious living and work environments. This growing demand has propelled traction around a modern approach to leadership: Conscious Leadership.

Conscious Leadership emphasizes self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and a deep commitment to the well-being of individuals and the collective. It fosters environments where authenticity, empathy, and purpose-driven work thrive, creating space for both personal growth and organizational success. Data suggests that people are increasingly expecting leaders in the workplace to lead with a Conscious Leadership style. Almost 75% of employees indicated that they want their managers to demonstrate a leadership style focused on empathy and a supportive attitude, according to a study by The Adecco Group. But a disconnect exists between Gen-Z workers and their bosses in how they value leadership traits. For example, Gen-Z workers ranked empathy as the most important trait to look for in a boss, only second to patience. Alternatively, bosses ranked empathy outside of their top three traits, showing a clear disconnect in priorities. Perhaps more importantly, only 1 in 3 Gen Zers expects bosses to make changes on their account, providing an opportunity for Conscious Leadership to shift Gen Z's expectations and attract, retain, and develop new talent.