The past year has quietly reshaped the workplace. Performance systems have tightened. Trust has thinned. Expectations have risen, often without explanation. According to Kenyatta Nobles, this is not a temporary adjustment. It is a reset.
“We are in a period where clarity matters more than comfort,” Nobles says. “Without trust, systems fail.”
What Changed Recently
Over the last year, many organisations moved from flexible, informal practices to more structured expectations. Reviews are becoming more frequent and more data-driven. Leaders are expected to justify decisions. Employees are expected to adapt quickly.
Recent data highlights the shift:
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Over 55% of employees say expectations have changed in the past 12 months.
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Nearly 60% of managers report increased accountability pressure.
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Around 45% of workers say performance feedback is more direct than before.
“HR sits at the intersection of people and business,” Nobles explains. “When systems change, individuals feel it first.”
What People Are Getting Wrong
According to Nobles, many individuals are misreading the moment.
“Silence creates mistrust,” he says. “Yet too many people assume unclear expectations will sort themselves out.”
Common missteps include waiting for direction, avoiding difficult conversations, and relying on past success instead of current relevance. Data supports this concern:
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About 40% of employees say they do not fully understand how their performance is evaluated.
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Nearly 50% rely on informal feedback rather than documented standards.
“I’ve seen policies that look perfect on paper but collapse in practice,” Nobles says. “The same applies to careers.”
What Is Likely to Get Harder
The next year will reward precision and consistency. It will punish ambiguity.
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Job mobility is slowing in many sectors.
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Internal competition for advancement is increasing.
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Leaders are relying more heavily on measurable outcomes.
“Clarity beats complexity every time,” Nobles notes. “But clarity requires effort.”
What Will Work
Nobles believes individuals who treat their role like a system will fare better.
“Trust is built when people understand how and why decisions are made,” he says. “That applies to your own work as much as leadership’s.”
Key practices that will matter:
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Documenting impact, not just activity.
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Asking direct questions about expectations.
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Aligning daily work to visible priorities.
“Success is impact,” Nobles adds. “Titles matter less than results and trust.”
Three Scenarios for the Year Ahead
Optimistic ScenarioChange stabilises. Clear systems emerge.Best actions: Clarify expectations, seek feedback early, build visible wins.
Realistic ScenarioPressure remains uneven. Some clarity, some confusion.Best actions: Control what you can. Document outcomes. Communicate decisions and progress clearly.
Cautious ScenarioUncertainty deepens. Resources tighten.Best actions: Reduce risk. Strengthen core skills. Focus on reliability and trust.
Call to Action
Choose the scenario that feels closest to your reality. Follow the recommended steps this week. Small, intentional actions now will matter more than waiting for perfect conditions.
“Progress doesn’t require a full overhaul,” Nobles says. “It requires clarity and consistency.”
About Kenyatta Nobles
Kenyatta Nobles is a New Jersey–based senior human resources leader with more than 20 years of experience across healthcare, public service, and non-profit organisations. He has served as Chief Human Resources Officer, Vice President of Human Resources, and Senior Director of HR, and is the founder of Criterion HR Solutions. His work focuses on ethical leadership, organisational clarity, and building trust at scale.
Media Contact
Company Name: Kenyatta Nobles
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City: Newark
State: New Jersey
Country: United States
Website: https://www.crunchbase.com/person/kenyatta-nobles
