In this episode of the Healthy Workplace podcast, Dr. Larry Williams explores the complex issue of unproductive employees, emphasizing that unproductivity is often a symptom of deeper issues rather than mere laziness. He discusses various root causes, including mental health challenges, personal struggles, lack of clarity, toxic work environments, and skill gaps. Dr. Williams then outlines effective leadership strategies to motivate unproductive employees, such as initiating open conversations, active listening, setting clear goals, and fostering psychological safety. He also weighs the pros and cons of retaining versus letting go of unproductive employees, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding in leadership. Ultimately, he stresses that addressing unproductivity with compassion can lead to a healthier workplace culture and improved employee engagement.