IoIC responds to Tim Gurner unemployment comments
Institute of Internal Communication
Engaging and connecting people at work since 1949
'Insensitive', 'the comments of a cartoon supervillain' and 'out of touch' - just some of the backlash against Australian tycoon Tim Gurner whose comments on the changing attitudes of employees, work ethics, and the need for a shift in productivity sparked a global debate.
His conference speech cited arrogant employees' post-pandemic attitudes saying: "There's been a systematic change where employees feel the employer is extremely lucky to have them. We need to remind people they work for the employer, not the other way around." He has since apologised and said that his comments were deeply insensitive at a time when employees, especially in Australia's construction sector, are impacted by job losses and a tough economy.
"It's good that Tim Gurner apologised, but the dialogue no matter what the sector is concerning," said IoIC President Suzanne Peck. "I totally appreciate that productivity, especially in tough times, is vital for business sustainability and survival but labelling employees 'arrogant' and 'lucky' to be employed is hardly going to improve productivity or address the large numbers of 'quiet quitters' globally."
Gallup's State of the Global Workplace 2023 report says that as many as six in ten workers are 'quietly quitting' - doing no more than the bare minimum required of them - and that the areas that would make a difference to these workers include having clearer goals and stronger guidance, wider recognition of individual contribution, and improved direct dialogue with line managers.
"Internal communication is a positive influence in these key areas," says Suzanne. "The recent IC Index research also supports the need for improved lines of sight and communication between leadership and employees - who surely work best together in a two-way, mutually beneficial relationship that in turn benefits productivity?"