Tracy Brower

Your company is likely using AI, but true success for organizations and people depends on processes that effectively bring people into the loop.

Purpose drives wellbeing, performance and connection. A sense of purpose delivers tremendous benefits to individuals, teams and organizations.

Tracy Brower , PhD, is back for our guest-led series of Careers newsletters this week. Brower, a sociologist, is the author of the new book “ Critical Connections .”

This week’s Careers newsletter covers how to manage stress from technology as AI use in the workplace grows, communication mistakes to avoid and more.

These small mindset shifts can help reduce exhaustion and improve wellbeing.

Four strategies to get your career moving.

Many employees feel their skills are underutilized, posing a significant challenge for both individuals and organizations. A survey indicates 59% feel their talents aren't fully leveraged, with 77% reporting stalled careers due to limited opportunities. This underutilization fuels disengagement, mental health issues, and high turnover, as 72% would seek new jobs if their skills remain untapped. To address this, organizations must align employee skills with job roles, a reality for only 29%. Providing challenging work, currently experienced by just 13%, is crucial for engagement and creativity. Additionally, recognizing employee contributions, which 36% feel is insufficient, and actively noticing and acting on underutilization are vital. Leaders must focus on employee strengths and design fulfilling work to enhance engagement, performance, and retention.

Remote and hybrid work, now a stable reality for most, offers flexibility but also risks increased isolation and mental health challenges. Studies reveal remote work accounts for a third of rising psychological distress, with solo remote employees 83% more prone to spending days alone. To counter these effects and maintain well-being, remote workers should proactively seek connection. Key strategies include making intentional trips to the office, fostering deeper social interactions with colleagues, joining professional associations, actively pursuing non-work social engagements, and volunteering in their communities. Cultivating these diverse connections is vital for a healthy remote work experience.

In a rapidly changing world, career relevance is crucial for success and stability, especially as 40% expect a worsening job market and 52% anticipate layoffs. Gen Z and Millennials now prioritize stability over rapid progression. To future-proof careers, individuals must stay curious and aware of evolving skill needs, as many managers and employees feel their skills are outdated. Building strong connections and learning from successful peers is vital. Continuous competence development through ongoing learning, setting small goals, and volunteering for new projects ensures practical skill acquisition. Staying compelling by maintaining interest in one's work boosts engagement and value. Finally, cultivating creativity, adaptability, resilience, and perseverance is essential for navigating new challenges and combining diverse skill sets for long-term fulfillment and advantage.

Studies suggest excessive reliance on AI may reduce learning, increase stress, and weaken the human relationships that often lead to new opportunities.