MAJORITY OF PEOPLE HAVE AN UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH WORK

Posted on 28th September 2023

HP have unveiled findings from its Work Relationship Index, a study that explores employees’ relationships with work around the world. The study, which surveyed more than 15,600 respondents across various industries in 12 countries, reveals the world’s relationship with work is at a breaking point.

The study analysed over fifty aspects of people’s relationships with work, including the role of work in their lives, their skills, abilities, workspaces and their expectations of leadership. The study also examined the impact work has on employee well-being, productivity, engagement and culture. It found just 27% of knowledge workers currently have a healthy relationship with work.

The research examined more than 50 factors contributing to a healthy relationship with work, identifying six core drivers that represent critical focus areas for business leaders, and comprise the Index that will be tracked over time.

1 Fulfilment: Employees yearn for purpose, empowerment, and genuine connection to their work, but just 29% of knowledge workers currently experience these aspects consistently. To adapt to evolving workforce expectations, businesses must prioritise employee fulfilment through increased voice and agency.

2. Leadership: New ways of working demand new leadership styles, according to 68% of business leaders; yet only one in five workers feel leaders have evolved their leadership styles accordingly. Cultivating emotional intelligence and transparent, empathetic leadership is crucial for today’s workplace.

3. People-centricity: Only 25% of knowledge workers consistently receive the respect and value they feel they deserve, and even fewer are experiencing the flexibility, autonomy, and work-life balance they seek. To address this, leaders must put visible emphasis on putting people first and placing their teams at the centre of decision-making.

4. Skills: While 70% of knowledge workers value strong power and technical skills, only 31% feel consistently confident in their proficiency in either. ‘Best-practice’ businesses have an opportunity to gain a vital skills-development and employee engagement edge by investing in holistic training and support.

5. Tools: Today’s workers want a say in the technology and tools their employer provides – and want that technology to be inclusive. However, confidence that companies will implement the right tools to support hybrid work is low, at just 25%.

6. Workspace: Knowledge workers want a seamless experience as they move between work locations – and a choice in where they work each day. Effective hybrid workspaces, easy transitions, flexibility and autonomy will be pivotal in demonstrating trust in employees and fostering a positive work experience.

For more information visit hp.com.