Employment is at a 10-year low. At the same time, companies continue to invest heavily in wellness perks and engagement platforms, an industry now worth over $1 billion. But for many workers, it’s not programs or perks that are missing, it’s people. 

According to Gallup, only 39 percent of employees strongly agree that someone at work cares for them as a person. Separate findings from Workhuman show that 30 percent feel invisible and 27 percent feel ignored. There are not small numbers. They point to a basic disconnect: most people are showing up to jobs where they don’t feel seen. 

The act of noticing, of asking someone about their day, checking in on a family update, or remembering what matters to them, can make a big difference. Although it’s not complicated, it does require leaders to slow down, use time more intentionally, and pay attention to small details. 

In practice, that might mean asking more specific questions during check-ins, pausing in the hallway to connect between meetings, or observing when someone’s tone or energy seems off. Moments signal that someone is paying attention. 

Harvard Business Review reports that when employees feel noticed, they’re more likely to feel valued. And when they feel valued, they’re more likely to stay, speak up, and contribute. It’s less about performance reviews or even team retreats, and more about the importance of daily interactions.

Leadership, as the article reminds us, isn’t built in abstract strategy sessions but rather what happens within minute interactions.