US employee engagement hit a decade-low 31% last year, with nearly 60% on the brink of quitting due to mental health struggles, and 61% feeling no one at work cares about them.
Stuck in a toxic cycle, 83% are constantly stressed by work, but AI-fueled job insecurity and layoffs are making people scared to take time off. Not unfounded, research suggests employees who set restorative boundaries are more likely to be passed over for promotions.
Perennially burned out, 60% use their free time to recover from their job, never enjoying life. Blaming work’s hold, 36% quit exercising, 32% stopped socializing, and 25% have no fun.
Work Ethics
Rethinking contracts, half of millennials and Gen Z would take lower pay to work for an employer that’s more conscious of well-being, with the majority agreeing a calm mind, healthy body, strong relationships, and values-aligned vocation are a bigger flex than money.
Seeing corporations cut roles without remorse, employees see no reason to be loyal, leaving 75% of industries struggling to retain top talent. Breaking rules to balance the scales, more are publicly disclosing salaries, hopping companies, and taking “micro-retirements” to recharge.
