Excuse #6: Our Team Isn’t Asking for It

A common excuse leaders give is: “If employees aren’t asking for culture work, it must not be needed.”

On the surface, this sounds responsive. Why spend energy on something no one has requested, but silence from employees rarely means satisfaction. It usually means disengagement.

The Real Challenge

This excuse reflects a reactive approach to leadership. Employees don’t always frame their needs in terms of “culture.” They might say they want flexibility, fair pay, or recognition, but underneath, they’re asking for a healthier workplace environment. When leaders wait until employees are vocal, they’re already at risk of losing them.

The Consequence

Retention has now overtaken recruitment as the top HR priority. McLean & Company’s HR Trends 2025 Report shows that organizations are prioritizing retention because disengagement and turnover are climbing (McLean & Company, 2025). Similarly, McKinsey’s HR Monitor 2025 revealed that nearly 20% of employees in Europe are dissatisfied with their employer, a number tied directly to culture and leadership shortcomings (McKinsey, 2025).

The consequences of ignoring early signals are severe. Gallup research shows disengaged employees cost the global economy $8.8 trillion in lost productivity each year (Gallup, 2023). Employees rarely “ask” for culture in surveys or town halls, they show it by quietly disconnecting, reducing effort, or leaving altogether.

The Reframe

Instead of saying, “Our team isn’t asking for it,” reframe to: “I’ll listen proactively and make retention a priority.”

Proactive listening through pulse surveys, one-on-ones, or informal check-ins, helps leaders uncover pain points before they become resignations. A healthy culture doesn’t wait for demands; it creates spaces for ongoing dialogue and trust.

A Practical Step

Run a one-question pulse survey this week: “What’s one change that would make your work more meaningful?” Share the results openly and commit to acting on at least one suggestion. This small move proves that employee voice matters and that a flourishing workplace culture is a priority, even if no one is shouting for it.

A flourishing culture never waits for employees to ask. It’s about anticipating needs and showing you’re committed to building a workplace they want to stay in.