Will Holland is the Principal of Strategy and Marketing (PoSM) at ThreeWill, where he champions our core values by shaping and sharing how ThreeWill helps employees thrive. Using his love for storytelling, Will leverages his unique ability to balance technical depth and strategic vision, bridging the gap between developers and business leaders through clear, creative communication. Outside of work, Will can usually be found at the nearest soccer pitch, either cheering for his kids or for Atlanta United.
At ThreeWill, we’ve been advocating for thriving employees for a long time. So, when I came across an article from HBR titled Why Employees Quit, I was intrigued. The article breaks down the reasons people leave their jobs into four categories: Job Satisfaction, Management Issues, Work-Life Balance, and Compensation and Benefits. It also offers solutions for each—but as I read, I couldn’t help but feel bemused. Are these revelations about employee experience really news to anyone paying attention?
Not too long ago, Employee Experience and Employee Engagement were the center of attention in the business world. It was refreshing to see companies waking up to the fact that there’s more to life than money. Businesses benefit entirely from the society around them, yet so often fail to recognize their responsibility to that same society—and to the people who power their success.
Sadly, one of the first casualties of the shift in focus toward Artificial Intelligence was this emphasis on taking care of people first. I understand the appeal of AI (I’ve certainly written my share about it) and its immense potential for businesses. But in the rush to optimize and innovate, the fundamental truth has been overlooked: businesses thrive when their people thrive.
And now, the value of putting employees first is poised for a resurgence.
Perception Is Reality in the Talent War
One of the key takeaways from recent political commentary is the stark gap between economic data and public perception. On paper, the U.S. economy looks healthy—but that’s little comfort to people dealing with rising costs in nearly every aspect of their lives. Inflation is eating into purchasing power, and for many, wage growth hasn’t kept up. When “everyday economics” feels this strained, perception quickly becomes reality for our national economy.
Historically, conditions like this spark job-hopping. Employees, feeling the pressure to make ends meet, seek higher pay or better work environments. And so, the “war for talent” reignites. This isn’t just a theory; it’s a pattern we’ve seen before, and the early signs are already here. Businesses that ignore the connection between employee experience and retention are setting themselves up to lose.
Investing in Your People Isn’t Optional
The businesses that succeed in this renewed talent war will be those that understand what’s at stake. It’s not enough to offer competitive pay. Employees want to feel valued, respected, and supported in their work. They want leaders who listen and cultures that foster growth. Thriving employees aren’t just more likely to stay—they’re more innovative, productive, and invested in their company’s success.
When businesses treat employee experience as an afterthought, they lose in more ways than one. Turnover costs are just the tip of the iceberg; the deeper losses are in morale, trust, and productivity. On the flip side, when businesses make employee experience a priority, they’re investing in loyalty, collaboration, and long-term growth.
A Closing Reminder
The talent war may be heating up again, but the solution isn’t complicated. Take care of your people first. That’s the foundation for navigating any challenge, whether it’s inflation, innovation, or competition. When your employees thrive, your business thrives—and that’s a truth worth rediscovering.
Want to know what disengaged employees are costing your business? Use our free online calculator.