Digital Drag & Safety Gaps: What’s Slowing Teams Down?

From digital overwhelm to unexpected safety risks, we’re unpacking what’s really impacting your workforce.

September 30, 2025

Inside This Issue:

Let’s be honest, this year has felt like a treadmill at max speed for most teams, and the fatigue is starting to show. Between back-to-office debates, AI rollouts, and mounting productivity pressures, the employee experience is under more strain than ever.

The most urgent conversations we’re hearing? It’s not just burnout, it’s friction: tech overload, invisible risks, and emotional disconnection.

This week, we’re diving into what’s really behind the lag in performance, and how leaders can get ahead of the curve.

Also exciting news: we've partnered with Unleash World to bring you even more insights from the global HR community.

Productivity numbers are dipping worldwide, and it’s not just because people are tired. It turns out, our tech stacks are overwhelming the very people they’re meant to empower.

We break down what digital friction really looks like, how it’s eroding employee focus, and what EX practitioners can do to reduce the cognitive clutter.

Construction sites aren’t the only danger zones anymore. A surprising uptick in workplace fatalities across less hazardous industries is raising red flags. This piece uncovers the sectors seeing sharp increases and why leaders need to take a more active role in psychological and physical safety, no matter the industry.

From Our Vault

The Power of Pride

What’s the real fuel behind sustained engagement? It’s not always perks or promotions. This quick-read from our archives explores how fostering genuine pride in work can lead to stronger retention, performance, and connection—especially in hybrid environments.

The Extra Point

With Q4 just around the corner, now’s the moment to take a quick pulse on how your teams are really doing. A short, focused check-in survey can reveal early signs of burnout, shifting engagement drivers, or lingering friction points, before the year-end rush hits.

Don’t wait for the annual engagement survey, act while there’s still time to adjust.

How do you like this newsletter?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.