A recent Gallup report reveals a startling level of disengagement among U.K. workers, with only 10% feeling engaged in their jobs. The “State of the Global Workforce 2024” report indicates that a significant 90% of employees are likely “quiet quitting,” a term describing workers who fulfill their job requirements but are actively seeking better opportunities elsewhere.
This lack of engagement places the U.K. behind the U.S. and several European countries, where 33% and 23% of employees, respectively, report being engaged at work. The Gallup survey, which gathered data from 128,278 working adults across over 160 countries in 2023, highlights a broader issue of employee dissatisfaction and disengagement on a global scale.
The report also underscores the emotional toll on U.K. workers, with 40% experiencing daily stress and 27% reporting daily sadness — the second highest in Europe. Furthermore, 20% of U.K. employees reported feeling daily anger. Comparatively, these figures illustrate a troubling emotional climate for U.K. workers, who are grappling with negative emotions more frequently than their global counterparts.
Economic factors contribute significantly to the high levels of disengagement. With job vacancies dropping by 31% in January 2024 compared to 2022, many employees feel compelled to stay in their current roles despite dissatisfaction. Data from the U.K. Office for National Statistics, analyzed by McKinsey, indicates a declining job market, further reinforcing workers’ reluctance to leave their current positions.
The lack of confidence in the job market is echoed by the finding that less than half of U.K. employees believe it’s a good time to find a job, and nearly one-third are actively looking for new employment opportunities. This sense of entrapment in unfavorable jobs, driven by economic constraints, exacerbates disengagement and fuels the quiet quitting phenomenon.
The prevalence of quiet quitting has substantial repercussions for both companies and the broader economy. Gallup estimates that low levels of engagement cost the global economy $8.9 trillion, equivalent to 9% of global gross domestic product (GDP). Companies with higher engagement levels, on the other hand, report significantly better outcomes, including a 68% increase in employee well-being, a 23% rise in profitability, and a 13% boost in productivity.
The report’s meta-analysis of 183,000 business units across 53 industries in 90 countries reinforces the importance of employee engagement. It highlights the detrimental effects of disengagement, which can be as severe as or worse than unemployment in terms of well-being, including higher levels of stress, anger, and loneliness.
The findings underscore the critical role of meaningful work and positive work relationships in fostering employee engagement. When employees find their work and relationships at work meaningful, they experience higher levels of daily enjoyment and fewer negative emotions. This contrast emphasizes the need for organizations to prioritize creating engaging and fulfilling work environments to enhance overall employee well-being and productivity.
As the U.K. grapples with these challenges, addressing the root causes of disengagement and improving job satisfaction will be crucial for boosting productivity and economic performance.
