The State of Work Executive Summary 7 Given that connection and communication can Throughout the data, aligned workers show greater transparency, clearer documentation of shape each knowledge worker’s experience, we a stronger sense of optimistic purpose, while responsibilities, more cross-team collaboration, were interested to view the data through the lens unaligned workers seem adrift. When thinking and open access to leadership. of aligned vs. unaligned. So first, our definitions: about their company’s future revenue and workforce, unaligned workers are far likelier to There are many other actionable insights from the • An aligned worker is one who agreed with this predict significant decline, while aligned workers data, which we discuss in depth throughout this statement: “I feel aligned with my company’s are more likely to forecast growth. There are analysis and summarize in Chapter 6: “Looking vision, values and operating principles.” clear benefits, then, to developing and retaining ahead: The 8 Rules of Engagement.” an aligned workforce. • An unaligned worker is one who disagreed So while roles and responsibilities will continue with the statement “I feel aligned with my The good news is that alignment is not a finite, to shift in this new era of work, our data shows company’s vision, values and operating or even scarce, resource. It’s available to all that many people are ready to confront these principles.” people and organizations. By focusing on challenges. But they need organizational support, things like effective, frequent and context-rich clear communication, effective tools, and a • A knowledge worker is anyone who holds communication, organizations can facilitate strategic vision to follow. In other words, in a an office position and/or works with data, alignment. When asked what would make them world of increasing automation and complexity, analyzes information or thinks creatively in feel more aligned, no one shot for the moon. a human-first approach can still be the most a typical workweek. They ranked, in order, surprisingly basic needs: strategic of all. © SLACK TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 2019