In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Owner, HR Strategist & Culture Creator of People-Powered Solutions, Lori-Ann Duguay. Lori highlighted employees’ ten basic needs at work and how meeting these needs can attract and retain high-performing talent. She emphasized that while these needs have always been there, the pandemic has brought them to the forefront. In an increasingly remote and flexible work environment, work-life balance and positive employee experiences have become more critical than ever. Lori made an interesting point about the generational differences in the importance placed on these needs. While the needs don’t change, how they are prioritized may vary across different generations. For example, younger generations are accustomed to instant feedback and require ongoing feedback to stay engaged, while older generations may prefer a different approach. Another key takeaway from the episode was the importance of clear communication and providing feedback. Lori stressed the need to avoid the notion that no news is good. Different personality styles and generations may require different types of feedback, so leaders must take the time to understand their team members’ preferences and needs. Lori also shared some strategies for fostering a sense of purpose and impact within an organization. This includes aligning the work employees do with the broader meaning and effect of the company. Leaders can create a more meaningful and engaging workplace by highlighting how each employee’s contribution contributes to the company’s mission, vision, and values.
Key Highlights
The Power of Specific Feedback: Why “Good job” isn’t enough and how actionable feedback drives repeatable behaviors.
Quiet Quitting: Understanding disengagement and how feedback systems can re-engage employees.
Mapping the Employee Experience: Insights into improving recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and exit strategies.
Feedback as Engagement: How feedback creates a culture where employees feel seen, heard, and valued.
Lori-Ann’s 3M Approach: Practical steps to measure, map, and mobilize workplace culture transformation.
