It is amazing what an HR generalist can learn simply by walking through the workplace once a week to check in with the staff.

Mary Kay Kirgis, human resources generalist at Crescent Community Health Center in Dubuque, Iowa, gives her four-story building a listening tour each week to visit with her 121 employees.

"I make it a point to ask each employee how they are doing and if there is anything the company can provide to make their jobs easier," Kirgis said. "With this way, I find we get more-candid feedback than we would by doing an e-mailed pulse survey."

Kirgis noted that not all employees like to offer their thoughts when she comes by in person. "They might feel awkward about doing so in front of others," she said, "but when I get back to my desk, many have already e-mailed me to tell me they appreciate it and then write, 'Here's what I'm thinking' in response. This opens a healthy line of communication."

According to iSolved's second annual Voice of the Workforce survey released Sept. 7, continuous listening by employers, consistent learning opportunities and frequent check-ins with supervisors are even more important than some organizations may realize, particularly for employees plagued with anxiety or self-doubt.

The 1,000-employee nationwide survey found that 50 percent of workers experience the "Sunday Scaries" before returning to work after time off. It also revealed that 40 percent indicated they struggle with imposter syndrome, which is an internalized,...

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