Employee wellbeing in the UK is under scrutiny as new research unveils a workforce frequently contemplating leaving their jobs.
- A significant 36% of UK employees are pondering a change of employment, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction.
- The study by Great Place To Work® underscores ongoing challenges in enhancing workplace wellbeing despite prior investments.
- Frontline managers in particular are reporting excessive stress, revealing systemic issues across sectors.
- Effective interventions are crucial, yet many organisations struggle to meet employees’ comprehensive wellbeing needs.
Employee wellbeing in the United Kingdom is receiving critical attention following a study that sheds light on the large proportion of the workforce considering job changes. A notable 36% of employees in the UK frequently entertain thoughts of leaving their current employment, pointing to a significant degree of dissatisfaction within the workplace.
Conducted by Great Place To Work®, the survey involved 2,200 employees across 11 sectors, forming ‘The State of Employee Wellbeing in the Workplace Report 2024’. This research highlights the persistent challenges companies face to enhance workplace wellbeing, despite considerable investments in recent years.
Frontline managers are notably affected, with over half of the UK employees claiming that their job demands cause overwhelming stress. Specifically, just 37% of frontline managers felt their workload was manageable, indicating that stress is a prevalent issue among those on the job’s front lines. This group reports the lowest levels of wellbeing compared to other employee categories.
Additionally, the report reveals that organisations still fall short in providing sufficient wellbeing support, with only 55% of employees believing their workplace genuinely prioritises their wellbeing. Stress, excessive workloads, and inadequate management support are prominent concerns among employees.
Wellbeing in the work environment extends beyond mere perks and wellness programmes, which many employees find inadequate. Workers now emphasise work-life balance, hybrid work opportunities, workload management, and financial stability as fundamental aspects of their wellbeing.
As Sara Silvonen, Senior Consultant & Wellbeing Lead at Great Place To Work UK, articulates, ‘Wellbeing, engagement, and trust between employees are critical components of a thriving workplace culture.’ She advocates for integrative approaches that include fostering high-trust relationships and creating conducive work environments to ensure long-term employee success.
To retain talent and enhance productivity, addressing employee wellbeing comprehensively is essential for UK employers.
