Employee engagement around the world is teetering, with clear signs of emotional strain and rising dissatisfaction in the workplace.
A global survey conducted by Gallup in 2024 provides a revealing look into workforce sentiment. It shows a continued decline in employee engagement compared to the previous year, echoing a pattern first observed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While a small portion of workers remain engaged, the majority are either indifferent or actively disengaged. The numbers are even more troubling in countries like Nigeria and across Sub-Saharan Africa, with engagement levels falling below the global average.
These trends point to a workforce that is not only struggling with motivation but also battling emotional fatigue.
Yet, despite this disengagement, job optimism remains surprisingly high. Many employees, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, believe it’s a good time to seek new opportunities. Still, a significant number are planning to leave their current jobs, suggesting that optimism does not necessarily translate to satisfaction.
Emotional well-being is another growing concern, with many workers experiencing stress, loneliness, sadness, and anger daily. Gallup’s findings paint the picture of a workforce that is hopeful for change but weighed down by dissatisfaction and emotional exhaustion in their current roles.
