Study reveals the UK has one of the least engaged workforces in Europe

A recent study by global analytics and advice firm Gallup revealed nearly 9 in 10 UK employees are currently disengaged at work. In fact, Gallups 2023 State of the Global Workforce study found just 10% of UK employees are engaged, ranking the nation 33rd out of 38 European countries in the realm of workforce engagement.
Several factors may have contributed to such disengagement. In particular, the cost-of-living crisis, climate change and pressure on the NHS may be behind employees increased feelings of worry, stress and anger both at home and in the workplace.

The Gallup study found more than one-third (38%) of UK employees experience daily stress.

With engagement rates being at an all time low, its critical for employers to consider ways to increase workforce engagement. This article outlines employer actions to help boost employee engagement.

Employer Actions
Its important to note that employee disengagement often leads to reduced workplace productivity, which, in turn, affects employers’ profitability. Needless to say, employees may be better engaged if their employers introduce various workplace changes.

These changes may include the following:

• Investing in employee well-being – Workers are more likely to be satisfied if they feel connected and invested in. As such, employers should take steps to promote employee well-being, such as offering employee assistance programmes, providing mental health training and adopting other healthy lifestyle measures.

• Recognising work well done – Employers should consider publicly rewarding and recognising workers at all levels of their organisations for work done well as a way of creating a culture of recognition.

• Providing learning and development opportunities – Employees are less likely to become bored at work when they can learn new skills to enhance their professional development.

• Conducting performance reviews– Performance reviews provide employers the opportunity to discuss employees accomplishments and continue to encourage staff to work hard.

Overall, focusing on the employee experience can help employers increase workforce engagement and help combat job stressors.

CONCLUSION
With the majority of the UK workforce being disengaged, employers may find it helpful to shift their focus to employee satisfaction.
Contact us for further workplace well0being and engagement strategies.