As of midyear, Gallup data show 32% of employees are engaged in their work, a stagnation that points to deeper organizational challenges.
Why Employees Are Detached: Four Themes
To understand the persistent gap between what organizations do and what employees need — and what it will take to close it — earlier this year, Gallup asked thousands of employees, “What’s missing from your current work experience that would make you feel more connected to your employer?” Their responses fell into four core themes affecting workplace engagement:
Organizational Culture: A Sense of Belonging, Autonomy, Wellbeing, Values
Thirty-two percent describes their workplace as isolated or impersonal, lacking the conditions that help people feel emotionally connected to their teams. For Gen Z workers (44%) and remote employees (41%), the lack of cohesion is even more stark.
“There is a gulf between fully remote employees and ones who could go into the office.”
“More team building; more feedback.”
Leadership Transparency: Communication, Employment Stability, Strategic Vision, Visibility, Involvement
Twenty-nine percent (29%) say they lack clear, honest or consistent communication from leaders. Employees want transparent leadership, visibility and two-way trust; not top-down directives in isolation.
“My employer stopped being receptive to ground-up communication. That was a giant blow to morale.”
“Communication is lacking where I work in all facets of the business. More communication would be effective in improving morale as well as efficiency in operations.”
Resource Investment: Compensation, Perks and Benefits, Human and Financial Resources, Tools and Systems
A quarter of employees (25%) say their organizations underinvest in people, pay, tools or staffing.
“Lack of follow-through on [the] promise of increased wages.”
“Coworkers. All locations have been short-staffed for years, so we’re all working alone.”
“Too many managers and not enough workers.”
Performance Management: Development, Accountability, Recognition
Fourteen percent cite a lack of feedback, recognition or development opportunities.
“Transparent development and succession planning with clear objectives and expectations.”
“One-on-one meetings.”
“Accountability from certain parties.”
