A large-scale survey of UK employee engagement has found that a third of workers are distracted at work by personal financial issues, leading to higher levels of unmanageable job stress.
The Engage for Success (EfS) UK Employee Engagement Survey 2023, conducted with Nottingham Business School at Nottingham Trent University, received over 3,000 responses. This annual survey, started in 2022 to measure employee engagement after the pandemic, translates its findings into the EfS Engagement Index, which assesses satisfaction, advocacy, and loyalty.
The latest results show that engagement levels have stagnated, with the EfS Engagement Index staying at 62%. This indicates that while employees are present at work, they are not fully engaged.
The survey also found that the actions of organizations significantly impact engagement. Respondents who felt that their leaders and managers prioritized employee issues reported higher engagement levels. These employees had positive views of their organization’s culture, ethics, honesty, openness, and change management. They also felt their well-being, professional development, and psychological safety were valued.
In contrast, two out of five respondents did not feel this way, resulting in negative views of their organization and higher job stress. This stress was especially common among those struggling with the cost of living, people with long-term health issues, and workers from the LGB+ community.
Wellbeing matters
The survey revealed a clear link between access to well-being resources and engagement. Respondents with no access to well-being resources had an EfS Engagement Index score of 55%, while those with access to five or more resources scored 73%.
Additionally, the survey examined four key organizational practices: well-being, voice, learning and development, and social engagement. It found that the more practices offered in each area, the higher the EfS Engagement Index score. For example, respondents with no learning and development opportunities scored 47%, while those with five or more opportunities scored 75%.
The researchers emphasize the importance of employers offering comprehensive support and highlight the critical role of line managers and workplace relationships in fostering engagement.
The report recommends that organizations prioritize individual well-being, adopt a human-centered approach to employee experience, and re-evaluate their organizational purpose. Investing in the workforce, the authors argue, will help businesses build resilience during economic uncertainty and promote sustainable growth.
