Leaders are out of touch with employees and need a wake - up call 2 “Those impromptu encounters at the office help keep leaders honest. With remote work, there are fewer chances to ask employees, “Hey, how are you?” and then pick up on important cues as they respond. But the data is clear: our people are struggling. And we need to find new ways to help them.” – Jared Spataro, CVP at Microsoft 365 37% Say their employer is asking too much of them at a time like this Leaders are faring better than their employees. • Sixty - one percent of leaders say they are “thriving” right now — 23 percentage points higher than those without decision - making authority. • Leaders are more likely to report stronger relationships with colleagues and leadership and taking all or more of their allotted vacation days. And employees are feeling the disconnect. • Thirty - seven percent say their companies are asking too much of them at a time like this. • Gen Z, women, frontline workers, and those new to their careers reported struggling the most this past year.