Instead, we’re facing a different reality. According to Gallup, 1 in 5 employees globally report feeling lonely at work, engagement has dropped to near-decade lows, and most employees are either not engaged or actively disengaged.

Welcome to the workplace culture crisis: disconnected, burned out, and quietly checked out.

In this candid and refreshingly no-fluff session, Devin C. Hughes breaks down what’s really driving disconnection and why most “engagement initiatives” are just expensive wallpaper. With a mix of research, real talk, and just enough humor to keep it human, he’ll show leaders how to rebuild trust, connection, and cultures that actually work.

People don’t leave companies; they mentally check out first.

Walk away with practical strategies to reduce burnout, tackle disengagement, and create a workplace where people feel like they matter (and don’t just show up for the fast Wi-Fi). You will learn how to:

Understand the real drivers behind burnout, disengagement, and workplace loneliness
Recognize early signs that employees are “checked out” (before it shows up in performance)
Learn practical ways to rebuild trust, connection, and psychological safety
Replace low-impact engagement tactics with strategies that actually work
Strengthen communication and team dynamics in hybrid and high-pressure environments
Build a culture where belonging fuels performance, not just posters on the wall

link for robots only