'No surprise' | UK workers among Europe's most disengaged, global report warns

British workers are among the least engaged and most emotionally strained in Europe, according to Gallup’s latest State of the Global Workplace report – a warning sign for UK businesses hoping to drive productivity amid economic uncertainty.

The study, which is based on survey data from over 160 countries, found that only 13% of European employees are engaged at work, placing the continent last globally. Engagement globally also fell for the first time since 2020, dropping from 23% to 21%. The UK was specifically highlighted for high levels of disengagement, sadness, and loneliness, trends Gallup links to a collapse in manager wellbeing and appreciation in the workplace.

“It comes as no surprise that British workers are amongst the saddest and most disengaged in Europe,” said Nebel Crowhurst, Chief Appreciation Officer at Reward Gateway | Edenred. 

“Recent research from Reward Gateway found that employers in the UK are suffering from an appreciation crisis, with women and those in large organisations specifically suffering the most. It’s clear from today’s Gallup report that in order for the UK employees' outlook to improve, businesses must adjust their wellbeing and HR strategies.”