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The business world is changing. People want to belong to a good work environment, one that is health-conscious, fair, and inclusive. They want a clear definition of success and a shared purpose. The best leaders understand this and are willing to experiment to find what works for their business. Following these leadership trends for 2022 will help them find and retain the best employees.

Provide a Shared Purpose
People try to find purpose in their work, so leaders need to provide one. A shared goal gives people direction and increases their confidence while improving engagement and retention.

Clearly Define Success
All employees should have a clear definition of success. Success profiles can help employees meet expectations and further their development.

Create a Health-Conscious Work Environment That is Fair and Inclusive
Leaders have to create a supportive environment where human beings matter. Leaders should show that they care about the well-being of their workers, and employees should feel safe to talk about how they’re doing.

They could allow employees to work remotely when plausible, offer empathy training, and educate themselves on how a struggling employee looks. They could provide mental health resources and offer training on healthy living. Above all else, they should regularly have meaningful conversations with their employees.

Bosses could invest in bias training, safe spaces for the under-represented, and a more structured interview process. Pay should be fair. Leaders may need to terminate employees who don’t share the company’s values. All leaders should also participate in a core leadership program with personalized development plans.

When employees feel like their bosses care about them, they are over two times less likely to burn out or leave. Fair treatment also reduces turnover and the chance of employee burnout. People want a better work-life balance. Employers must be willing to compromise.

Prepare Up-and-Coming Leaders
Up-and-coming leaders need new tasks and responsibilities to develop their skillsets. Less than a third of current leaders say they have been taught to develop talent and lead virtually, which is probably why most leaders lack confidence in these areas.

They need chances to learn job-specific knowledge, effective leadership techniques, power skills (e.g., empathy, problem-solving, communication), and how to use new technologies. Job rotation (i.e., moving employees between jobs), coaching, mentoring, and in-person and virtual training builds confidence and prepares future leaders for the work before them.