Tackling the growing armies of unhappy workers: where “laidback” ends and “lethargy” begins

The purpose of this paper is to encourage HR managers to enhance awareness among employees about some simple questions that can solve major problems.

The paper takes the form of a literature review and reflection on longitudinal confrontation with a recurring pattern.

Bad management, lack of motivation, too much stress or low wages are only part of the reasons why workforce members are so massively dissatisfied. There may be another underlying reason that is hardly ever addressed: lack of focus caused by insufficient critical thinking and self‐reflection on what people are really passionate about. As long as that is not addressed, people will continue to search for gratification, but never find it.

The is a need for more in‐depth probing into this topic and possibly formally structured surveys to employees on a massive scale to verify this assertion, and start working toward a solution.

Readers of this paper might become encouraged to apply some self reflection as well to verify their familiarity with their own passion.

Re‐instating a habit of critical thinking could lead to decreased job dissatisfaction, less stress and absenteeism, and lower turnover.

The paper highlights an aspect of job dissatisfaction that is hardly ever addressed, but can lead to major changes.