How To Create An Environment No Employee Would Want To Leave
In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, leaders face the challenge of retaining top talent amidst constant change, migration, and shifting employee expectations. Funke Amobi, a globally recognized HR leader and Deputy Head of Operations at Stanbic IBTC Bank, shares powerful insights on psychological safety, emotional intelligence, and leadership strategies that foster a workplace employees never want to leave.
Understanding the 21st Century Workplace
The modern workplace is shaped by:
- Hyper-globalization – Increased mobility, remote work, and cross-border opportunities.
- Industry 4.0 – AI, automation, and digital transformation redefining work.
- The Great Resignation & “Japa” Syndrome – Employees seeking better opportunities both locally and abroad.
- Multiple Generations in the Workforce – With half the world’s population under 25, leaders must adapt to diverse expectations.
Amobi emphasizes that context is everything. Leaders must understand these shifts to create environments where employees feel valued, engaged, and psychologically safe.
Psychological Safety: The Key to Retention
Psychological safety means employees feel free to:
✅ Speak up without fear of punishment
✅ Take risks and innovate
✅ Be their authentic selves
Research by Gartner shows:
56% of employees in psychologically safe workplaces are more productive
74% report lower stress levels
27% experience a reduction in turnover
How Leaders Can Foster Psychological Safety
Be Humble & Approachable – Leaders must invite open dialogue and show genuine interest in employees’ aspirations.
Encourage Courage & Accountability – Employees should feel safe to challenge norms while upholding high performance standards.
Have “Stay Conversations” – Regularly check in with employees to understand their goals, concerns, and motivations.
Balance Empathy & Discipline – Great leaders combine emotional intelligence with clear expectations.
Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
Amobi highlights that soft skills are now the hardest skills. Leaders must:
- Listen actively without judgment
- Adapt to change while maintaining stability
- Connect the dots between business goals and employee well-being
About The African Emotional Intelligence Conference 2023
Synopsis:
Was “japa” on your mind—previously, recently, or perhaps at some point in the past? Certain things could have made your life much easier, regardless of the decision you made. The transformative two-day conference, “Thriving in a Migrating World: The Emotional Intelligence Pathway,” connected participants with a community of experts who understood their unique experiences.
For migrants, the conference provided a supportive platform to explore the emotional challenges and opportunities of their journeys. Valuable insights into emotional resilience, adaptability, and cultural integration were shared, helping participants connect with others who had been on similar paths.
For non-migrants, the conference offered a unique opportunity to deepen their sense of security and contentment in a migrating world. It explored the inherent value of staying rooted in one’s current environment and highlighted the personal and professional growth possible without relocating. Insightful sessions focused on nurturing a profound sense of belonging, connection, and fulfilment within one’s local community and cultural identity.
Full Conference Video Below
By Funke Amobi – At the African Emotional Intelligence Conference (AEIC) - Pause Factory
