We spend an average of 100,000 hours at work over the course of our lives, assuming a 40-hour work week. That’s nearly a third of our entire existence. Given that, it’s no surprise that the quality of our work life profoundly impacts our overall well-being. And a key factor in making those 100,000 hours more fulfilling and productive comes down to one thing: healthy relationships in the workplace.

The dynamics between employees and their leaders can make or break a work environment. It’s no longer just about working for a boss, but about working with a leader. People want to feel valued, respected, and connected—this human need transcends titles and tasks. In fact, surveys consistently reveal that over half (57%) of employees who leave their jobs do so because of disengagement with their boss.

Why Employees Leave: The Real Issues

When employees feel disengaged, they stop bringing their full selves to work. They go through the motions, but their creativity, passion, and loyalty start to wither. And it’s not just disengagement that drives people away. Here are some of the other reasons employees leave their jobs:

  • Lack of integrity: When leaders fail to uphold honesty, transparency, or ethical standards, it erodes trust. Employees notice—and when they feel like they can’t trust their leaders, they often leave.
  • Misaligned values: If an employee’s personal values don’t align with the company’s values, a disconnect can occur. Over time, this leads to frustration and dissatisfaction.
  • Toxic company culture: Workplace toxicity—whether through poor management, unhealthy competition, or an environment that doesn’t support well-being—can drive employees away faster than you think.
  • Low retention: When colleagues keep leaving, it impacts the morale of the remaining team members. Constant turnover signals deeper issues, and employees will eventually seek stability elsewhere.

Interestingly, compensation is not the top reason employees leave, even though it’s commonly assumed to be a major factor. While pay is certainly important, it often ranks further down the list. People are willing to accept a bit less money if they feel a strong sense of purpose, alignment, and connection with their team.

Be a Leader, Not a Boss

To retain employees and foster a thriving workplace, you need to be more than a manager; you need to be a leader. A true leader inspires, connects, and builds a sense of community within their team. They align their personal values with the company’s mission and empower others to do the same.

Here’s what leaders can do to build strong, positive relationships in the workplace:

  1. Show you care: Take an interest in your team beyond their productivity. Ask about their personal goals, their challenges, and what motivates them. Building rapport and trust begins with showing genuine concern for their well-being.
  2. Lead with integrity: Always act with honesty and transparency. If mistakes are made, own up to them. If there’s uncertainty, communicate openly. Being a leader means leading by example, even when it’s uncomfortable.
  3. Create alignment: Ensure that both your values and the company’s mission are in sync with the values of your employees. Misalignment creates friction, but when values are shared, people feel more connected to their work.
  4. Foster a positive culture: Culture isn’t just about perks and benefits. It’s about how people are treated and how they treat one another. Create a culture of respect, collaboration, and inclusivity. Toxicity, once rooted, is difficult to weed out.
  5. Build trust: Trust is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship. Be consistent, be fair, and be supportive. When employees trust their leaders, they are more likely to go the extra mile.

Attracting Good Humans by Being One

At the end of the day, leadership boils down to one simple principle: be a good human. People want to work with other good humans—those who are empathetic, kind, and principled. When you embody these traits, you’ll naturally attract employees who share similar values and attitudes.

Creating an environment where people feel valued, aligned, and supported not only helps retain top talent but also boosts overall productivity and satisfaction. In a world where we spend a third of our lives at work, that matters more than ever. Lead by example, and build a community where everyone can thrive. And remember to mind your mindset.

It’s more than just good business—it’s the right way to lead.