Note: This episode was recorded as part of E3: Engage and Empower with Empathy, the original version of this podcast. It is now part of Return on Empathy (ROE)—a podcast series focused on the measurable impact of empathy in the workplace.

What if the secret to retaining millennials isn’t another perk—but purpose? In this episode, Dr. Katie Thomas unpacks why “purpose is retention” and how connecting everyday tasks to a bigger mission can dramatically boost work engagement. Through the timeless story of three masons—each seeing the same work very differently—we explore why meaning, organizational support, and feeling valued matter more than ever for today’s workforce. If you’re struggling with millennial retention or wondering how to turn “I’m laying bricks” into “I’m building something that matters,” this conversation is a must-listen.

Learn more about Dr. Katie Thomas’s research and take her 7 Blind Spots quiz: https://moremillennialexecutives.com/

Dr. Katie Thomas’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drkatiethomas

Learn more about The Empathy Collective: https://www.theempathycollective.com/