Beware the expectation gap

Researchers tested an online reading-and-writing activity with 26,911 students, before they started college.

Students read survey findings and stories from older students explaining that homesickness, academic struggles and worries about fitting in were common and could ease over time. They then wrote reflections to help future students understand those experiences.

The activity improved first-year full-time completion for students in groups that historically progressed at lower rates, but only where their college offered those groups real opportunities to belong.

What are the ways in which your organisational promises - are evidenced?

ERGs, EAPs, manager development, dedicated culture programmes - all send the message that development and belonging matter.

The activity helped students interpret early difficulties without assuming they meant they didn’t belong. Its effectiveness depended on having opportunities in their environment that supported that more hopeful interpretation - i.e. the experiment shifted their mindset - but they still needed support.

The message to every leader and manager: words need to match reality. “We value your voice” creates a (very fair) expectation that speaking up will be welcomed. “Development matters” needs to be paired with a budget for training and development and an encouragement to take the time needed to develop.

Here’s something to reflect on: how aligned are the messages you share about the employee experience, with the realities of the employee experience? Closing that expectation gap is the first space I look when supporting organisations to improve their employee engagement. Need help? Book a chat with me to explore - 30 minutes, no charge! I’d love to hear what you’re working on.

Reference

Walton, G. M., et al. (2023). Where and with whom does a brief social-belonging intervention promote progress in college? Science, 380(6644), 499–505.