Research & Studies

Dr. Billan leads national groundbreaking studies and partners with organizations who are interested in conducting research.

Dr. Billan focuses on research that aims to transform workplace culture. She has led surveys on Workplace Belonging, Tall Poppy Syndrome, and Happiness in the Workplace. Contact Dr. Billan at rbillan@viewpointleadership.ca to learn more.

The Tallest Poppy 2023

The Tallest Poppy 2023 is the first international study of its kind. It looks at thousands of working women from all demographics and professions to determine how their mental health, well-being, engagement, and performance are affected by interactions with their clients, colleagues, and leaders surrounding their success and accomplishments. The results are significant and should be heeded. Women’s success is under attack in workplaces around the world. The more accomplished an individual is, the more likely she’ll be to face aggressions, not only from those in positions of seniority, but also from her peers. The Tallest Poppy study reveals that TPS remains a significant issue in workplaces around the world and the results are detrimental to women and the organizations within which they work. The study was planned and carried out between January and February 2023. A total of 4,710 respondents took part in the survey across 103 countries. View our press release here.

The 2022 Workplace Belonging Survey

Dr. Billan commissioned a study with Ipsos and conducted a survey on Workplace Belonging with employed Americans. The data found that nearly half of American workers are considering leaving their current place of employment, employed job seekers are more likely to feel lonely and excluded in their current roles, only one-third of employed Americans feel they work in an inclusive environment, one in four women feel lonely at work, and more. There were 2098 responses to the question, “I wish my peers and colleagues knew…, ” and the data reveals what employed Americans feel contributes to a sense of belonging at work and what they are experiencing right now.

The Tallest Poppy

Tall Poppy Syndrome, a term that was popularized in Australia, occurs when people are attacked, resented, disliked, criticized or cut down because of their achievements and/or success. The Tallest Poppy, a study led by Dr. Rumeet Billan, reveals the consequences of this silent systemic syndrome and the impact it has on women in the workplace. The study examines the impact of Tall Poppy Syndrome on the individual and the cost to organizations.

The Canadian Happiness at Work Study

How can organizations promote joy, contentment, and positive well-being at work in order to foster productive, engaged and happy employees? This study examined whether Canadians are happy at work, what factors contributed to this, and how organizations can support and support experiences that foster positive well-being. With over 1150 respondents, the data revealed the impact of happiness on productivity, engagement, and retention.