By Allison Ebner
Today’s workplace is at a crossroads. In one corner: CEO’s are under increased pressure to drive performance, profitability, and innovation in a volatile, fast-paced economy. In the other: employees demanding flexibility, purpose, and well-being like never before. So… who’s winning?
The short answer? It’s complicated.
Coming out of the pandemic and the Great Resignation, employees held the upper hand. They redefined work expectations, pushed for remote and hybrid models, and demanded a greater focus on mental health and belonging. Employers responded—some willingly, others reluctantly.
But as we move further into 2025, the pendulum is swinging back. With economic uncertainty, rising automation, and a renewed CEO focus on accountability and productivity, many organizations are recalibrating. Return-to-office mandates are growing. Performance expectations are rising. CEOs are voicing concerns about engagement, quiet quitting, and cultural drift.
However, this isn’t a zero-sum game. The real winners will be organizations that move beyond the “us vs. them” mindset and embrace a balanced approach. Employees still crave flexibility and purpose, but they also want leadership, clarity, and growth. CEOs, meanwhile, recognize that sustainable performance comes from motivated, supported teams—not just dashboards and deadlines.
So, what can organizations do today to create a win-win workplace?
- Foster Transparent Communication – Encourage open, two-way dialogue between leadership and employees to build trust and alignment.
- Co-Create Performance Cultures – Involve employees in defining what success looks like and how to get there—together.
- Invest in Leadership Development at All Levels – Equip managers to lead with empathy, accountability, and strategic focus.
- Transform HR roles into HRBA’s – Human Resources Business Architects. AI can do most of the tactical HR functions in your organization. Create a new model for HR professionals that involves business acumen, operational excellence and strategy.
The future of work isn’t about choosing sides. It’s about building workplaces where CEOs and employees succeed together in a culture that fosters trust, radical candor (GREAT book, by the way) and new performance standards we build together, an effort led by our HR Business Architects. Interesting in learning how EANE can support you in these efforts? Give me a call!
Allison
President, EANE
877.662.6444
aebner@EANE.org