Do Your Top Talents Still Have the Drive?
Drivers & Barriers are two critical forces every HR team and leader must understand — before top talents decide to walk away.
・Drivers push employees forward.
・Barriers quietly drain energy and motivation.
Drivers: The Forces That Move Employees Forward
Drivers are positive factors that create Employee Engagement, satisfaction, and a sense of belonging — making employees feel, “This is where I belong.”
1. An Open Workplace Culture
A strong organizational culture creates psychological safety, allowing employees to speak up and share ideas. When people feel their voices matter, engagement increases naturally.
2. Empathetic Leadership
Employees stay for good leaders, not just good companies. Managers who listen, support, and provide clear direction build trust and commitment.
You may have heard this phrase before: “People don’t leave companies. They leave bad managers.”
3. Meaningful Rewards Beyond Pay
Motivation goes beyond salary. Flexible benefits, work-life balance policies, and employee rewards systems help meet diverse employee needs.
・Work Life Balance Policy
・Flexible Benefits Benefits As Wish
・Employee Rewards System boost Employee Engagement by Rewards
Because motivation is one of the key drivers that encourages employees to stay and continue growing with the organization.
4. Growth and Career Opportunities
Employees leave when they feel stuck. Clear career paths, skill development, and new challenges help employees see a future within the organization.
Barriers: What Pushes Employees Away
Barriers create frustration — even in organizations with strong benefits.
1. Unnecessary Complexity
Overly complex systems and slow approvals reduce productivity and motivation. Employees feel that no matter how hard they try, progress is impossible — leading to disengagement and burnout.
2. Poor Communication
Unclear instructions and changing policies without explanation create confusion and mistrust. When employees do not understand direction or priorities, trust in leadership begins to erode.
3. Micro - Management
Excessive control removes autonomy, creativity, and ownership. Excessive control and constant monitoring signal a lack of trust.
4. Toxic Work Environment
Workplace politics and unhealthy relationships drain energy and accelerate turnover. Toxic relationships, workplace politics, and constant pressure drain emotional energy.
HR Takeaway:
Increasing Drivers alone is not enough. If Barriers remain, it is like pressing the accelerator while the handbrake is still on. The organization will not move far — and eventually, the engine will burn out.
Take a moment to reflect:
✅ What are the strengths you should amplify?
✅ What are the hidden barriers you need to urgently remove?
