Evidence Base

Research

The data behind the methodology. Primary sources you can explore yourself.

The Shift That Sticks methodology is grounded in workplace research from major organizations. We encourage you to explore the original sources—not just our interpretation of them.

What Changed

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The AI Anxiety Gap

Leaders assume employees are excited about AI. They’re wrong. What the research shows about the gap between executive optimism and workforce anxiety.

See the research →

The Expectation Gap

51% of employees are watching for or actively seeking new jobs. What the “great detachment” research reveals about meaning and connection at work.

See the research →

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The Trust Paradox

Americans trust local government more than any other level—but 70% of local officials say polarization is affecting their work. What the research shows.

See the research →

Primary Sources

Go directly to the organizations producing this research:

Gallup

State of the Global Workplace, engagement research, trust in government.

gallup.com →

McKinsey

AI adoption research, workforce transformation, organizational change.

mckinsey.com →

Pew Research

Trust in government, political polarization, public attitudes.

pewresearch.org →

ICMA

Local government leadership, polarization research, professional management.

icma.org →

Harvard Business Review

AI implementation, leadership, organizational behavior.

hbr.org →

World Happiness Report

Workplace wellbeing, trust dynamics, the empathy perception gap.

worldhappiness.report →

How We Use This Research

These research findings shaped the methodology. Explore how they translate into practical frameworks for the leadership challenges you’re already navigating.