In case you missed it, Working Not Working’s Justin Gignac and Nicolina Jennings recently dropped some serious truth bombs on HR Brew, alongside Adrienne Wright Cleveland from the Martin Agency. They dove headfirst into the epidemic that is quiet quitting—because yes, it’s a thing now. And not just a thing, but an entire movement (#QuitTok, anyone?). This shift should be a wake-up call for companies to rethink their approach to employee engagement and retention.
With all this talk about disengaged employees, it felt like the perfect moment to introduce NTRNL, our latest innovative solution that empowers leaders with the tools to truly see their people, not just as employees but as individuals with unique interests and needs. This conversation is just the beginning of how we’re tackling the (un)happiness epidemic head-on.
The Power of the Talent Brand
Adrienne may have addressed an uncomfortable reality when she said, “It’s more important today, more than it has been, for companies to pay attention to their talent brand. It might be more important than their company brand.”
Translation: If you’re still obsessing over your company’s external image while ignoring how you’re perceived by your own employees, you’re doing it wrong. In today’s workplace, the talent brand—how employees and potential hires see you—is the real MVP.
Think of it this way: employees are now holding companies to higher standards, and if you’re not prioritizing them, they’ll walk (or quietly quit, in true #QuitTok fashion). Prioritizing your talent brand doesn’t just help with employee retention, it can literally make or break your company’s reputation. So, if your talent sees your workplace as a corporate Hunger Games, maybe it’s time to reconsider where you’re focusing your efforts.
Vibes Over Structure: Building Positive Workplace Culture
Justin asked the million-dollar question: “What kind of vibes are you facilitating and cultivating in your company?” If your answer is “none” or, worse, “toxic,” then we’ve got a problem. Nicolina followed up with a GIF-worthy response: “I love that—less structure, more vibes.” And honestly? Same.
Workplace culture isn’t just about policies and procedures; it’s about how people feel when they walk through the door (or log into Zoom). If the vibes are off, you can kiss employee engagement goodbye. Creating a positive culture isn’t just about throwing pizza parties—it’s about fostering an environment that makes people want to stick around. The happier your team, the less likely they are to burn out or disengage. So, go ahead and ditch some of that rigid structure and focus on the vibes—it’s literally good for business.
AI and the Culture of Sameness
Sure, AI is cool—it can crunch numbers, generate content, and even predict trends faster than your morning coffee kicks in. But let’s be real: AI can’t replace the creativity, intuition, and pure human magic that make your team stand out.
The trick is finding the balance between leveraging AI’s efficiency and empowering your people to bring their unique flair to the table. You don’t want your workplace turning into a robotic assembly line of monotony, right? That’s where tools like NTRNL come in. Platforms like this help companies not only listen to their employees but also inspire them to innovate and create in ways AI simply can’t. The future of workplace innovation is human—and it’s time to invest in what sets your people apart.
How to Align Work with Purpose and Passion
During our chat, Adrienne brought up the importance of letting employees bring their outside passions into the workplace. We all know that when people feel connected to what they’re doing, their energy levels skyrocket. It’s no secret that companies that give employees opportunities to work on projects that inspire them see significantly higher levels of engagement and satisfaction. Don’t believe it? According to Harvard Business Review, positive teams are more productive, period.
When employees feel like they’re contributing to something meaningful, they’re not just showing up for the paycheck—they’re showing up because they care. This approach isn’t just a feel-good tactic; it creates a more motivated and loyal workforce. The takeaway? If you’re not encouraging your employees to channel their passions into their work, you’re missing out on some serious productivity magic.
Building a Listening Culture with NTRNL: Driving Employee Happiness
If there’s one major takeaway from Justin, Nicolina, and Adrienne’s conversation, it’s this: prioritizing employee well-being isn’t just nice to have—it’s critical for survival in today’s work environment. Quiet quitting, talent brand, vibes—it all boils down to one thing: are you really listening to your employees? Companies that take the time to listen, adapt, and provide meaningful opportunities for their teams to thrive are the ones that will stay ahead of the game. And if you’re still not convinced, maybe it’s time to hit replay on that HR Brew episode.
If you’re ready to make real change, NTRNL is here to help. More than just another employee listening tool, NTRNL empowers companies to truly see their people—understanding what drives them and what they need to thrive. In a world where employees are more vocal than ever (see: #QuitTok), creating a culture of connection is no longer optional. NTRNL is transforming how companies engage with their teams by providing the insights and tools to build a workplace where people feel valued, seen, and supported. Because when your people are happy, your business thrives.