The ABCs of employees

At the core of every organization are its people. We have an evolutionary need to be part of the pack, for belonging. Ensuring that employees feel heard and valued can significantly boost morale and productivity. This means that internal communications should not be a one-way street but should offer real opportunities for dialogue and build agency, the experienced ability to act.

According to Miltton’s recent Friction Insights study, places of work (and study) are where people experience agency most strongly after home. The study also found that common values are the glue at the workplace and a strong driver for agency. Over 60% of Finns feel they can act according to their values at work, and half of the respondents are most likely to participate when they can act alongside others who share their beliefs. However, just one in three believe their workplace provides a connection to something larger through work.

People want to have a meaningful impact also at work, but do not feel like they have the opportunities to do so. Those companies that succeed in channeling this agency can strengthen the meaning of work, increase commitment, and build competitive advantage. 

More and more employees, especially those from Gen Z, want to work for companies that align with their personal values. A recent survey revealed that 84% of Finnish youth want their work to match their own values (NYT Nuorten tulevaisuusraportti 2025). This highlights the need to communicate your company culture in a way that resonates with younger generations. By doing so, you can attract and retain top talent who are passionate about their work. After all, Gen Z will make up a significant portion of the global workforce in 2030: for example, approximately 30% in the U.S. 

In the age of AI, organizations need to humanize technology for their employees. This summer, an MIT study found that 95% of AI initiatives fail in organizations. The successful 5% of pilots were designed as a learning-processes, where friction leads to learning and calibrating existing processes and where users were in the center of the pilot. Additionally, in Miltton’s own Friction Insights Study, we found that AI divides our sense of control: 20% of Finns feel that AI strengthens their sense of control, whereas 36% feel that they are losing control due to AI developments.

Organizations that help employees maintain and enhance their sense of control while leveraging AI will see better adoption, stronger engagement, and more sustainable transformation. This requires strong leadership and building a culture for learning.

When an organization is on a growth path, having the right kind of employees becomes crucial. Identifying and attracting experts who can contribute to the desired growth is essential. Organizations need to ensure that they communicate their growth journey in a way that appeals to these individuals. This requires honesty and courage. It’s not enough to paint the picture of what it’s like to work at your organization – it’s equally important to tell what it’s not. By doing so, you can build a strong team that is committed to achieving shared goals.

Employees are the most authentic platform for telling your organization’s story. Whether it’s through social media, traditional media, or internal channels, people trust other people more than companies. Human to human is the key for communications that resonate. This approach not only enhances communication but also fosters a sense of pride and belonging among employees.