A recent survey conducted by Reward Gateway - a leading employee engagement firm - has shed light on the prevailing sentiments among UK workers, revealing a stark picture of dissatisfaction and burnout in the workplace. The survey, which polled 2,000 full-time employees across the UK, underscores the urgent need for employers to address pressing concerns related to pay, recognition and mental health support.
The findings indicate that a significant majority of UK workers, almost two-thirds (63%), are clamouring for a pay rise. This demand comes at a time when the cost-of-living crisis is exacerbating financial pressures on households across the nation.
Moreover, with nearly a third of respondents (30%) reporting burnout and one-fifth (20%) expressing outright misery at work, it is evident that financial remuneration is not the sole concern for employees.
The survey highlights the detrimental effects of workplace stress, with over a third of respondents (36%) admitting to feeling stressed. Additionally, a concerning number of workers described themselves as feeling lonely (19%) and anxious (27%) in the workplace, indicating a pressing need for employers to prioritise mental health support initiatives.
Excessive workload emerged as the primary driver of burnout, cited by almost half of respondents (49%). Despite the heavy demands placed on employees, a significant proportion feel undervalued, with well over half (59%) expressing that they do not frequently feel appreciated or recognised by their superiors.
Another troubling revelation from the survey is the lack of a sense of belonging experienced by a considerable portion of the workforce. Nearly half of respondents (49%) reported feeling disconnected from their workplace, with reasons ranging from a perceived lack of common ground with colleagues to instances of workplace bullying. The fact that 10% of respondents admitted to experiencing bullying highlights the need for employers to foster inclusive and respectful work environments.
In response to these challenges, a majority of employees (60%) are calling on their employers to prioritise financial wellbeing initiatives. Additionally, there is a clear desire for increased recognition and rewards from employers, with two-fifths of respondents (43%) expressing this sentiment. Alarmingly, more than half of the workforce (55%) feel that their financial wellbeing is inadequately supported by their employers.
The survey also indicates a concerning trend of employee turnover, with over half of respondents (57%) admitting to having considered leaving their current employers for new job opportunities within the last six months. This attrition not only poses challenges for businesses in terms of talent retention but also underscores the imperative for employers to address the underlying issues contributing to employee dissatisfaction.
Nebel Crowhurst - Chief People Officer at Reward Gateway - said:
“British workers are struggling. They are struggling mentally, with their workloads and are reporting burnout. Add to this the fact that they don’t feel sufficiently supported in the face of the cost-of-living crisis, and it paints a miserable picture for British workers. “UK workers clearly need help. Pay is one solution but needs to be part of a holistic support package – rewards, subsidies, benefits, and appreciation, all go towards helping employees in time of crisis.”
