Employee engagement falling in UK employees

UK employees are suffering from record low levels of employee engagement, with over half admitting that they are unhappy at work and one in three looking to move on

According to new research by Mercer, 36% of workers are seriously considering leaving their jobs. This includes 40% of those in the 25-34 age group and 36% aged between 35-45.

The UK workforce is significantly less engaged than four years ago – only 61% of respondents say their work gives them a feeling of personal accomplishment, compared to 70% four years ago. Just over half of employees (55%) feel proud to work for their organisation, compared to 60% in 2006.

Discussing the findings, Chris Johnson, UK Head of Human Capital at Mercer, says: “During the recession, many employees have faced a mix of pay freezes, training and benefit cuts, and limited promotion opportunities – and have often absorbed extra workloads due to redundancy programmes. Many are still feeling vulnerable and generally unhappy with their lot.

“Those who are engaged and who feel better about their employer and themselves are the people who can drive their employer's success as the economy recovers. The problem is that these are the employees who are wanting to move.”

Johnson adds that employers should work to retain their employees, who could prove vital to drive company recovery plans. Despite this, 64% of employees are not seriously considering a move and 41% feel committed to their organisation.