Why Employees Are Disengaged (79%) — How Leaders Can Overcome Skepticism and Rebuild Trust

Why are 79% of employees disengaged at work—and what can leaders actually do about it?In this solo episode of Time to Reset , Penny Zenker breaks down one of the most overlooked drivers of disengagement: skepticism.This isn’t about attitude—it’s about attention patterns shaped by past experiences, broken trust, and workplace dynamics. When skepticism takes hold, it limits innovation, slows decision-making, and quietly erodes collaboration.Penny shares:Why skepticism is rising in today’s workplaceHow it impacts trust, performance, and leadership effectivenessThe neuroscience behind threat, focus, and disengagementThe connection between skepticism and the “Nitpicker Effect”5 practical leadership strategies to rebuild trust and re-engage your teamIf you’re a leader, executive, or team manager navigating disengagement, low trust, or resistance to change—this episode gives you a clear, actionable framework to shift from doubt to possibility.What creates skepticism for you at work?What has helped you rebuild trust in a leader or organization?