A majority of people across the globe define their relationship with work as “unhealthy”, according to a new global report from technology giant HP, and many respondents say they would take a pay cut over being told when and where they should work.
Many who label their relationship as unhealthy say the strain seeps into their personal lives and affects their well-being.
For its Work Relationship Index, HP surveyed more than 12,000 knowledge workers in 12 countries, as well as 3,600 IT decision-makers and 1,200 business leaders. The survey report looked at several aspects of society’s relationship with work, including how people feel about their skills and abilities, the role of work in their lives, their workspaces, the tools and technology they use, and their expectations of leadership.
Problems with work culture and personal fulfilment are more pronounced in specific regions and demographics, the report noted, and for the vast majority surveyed (83%), the personal satisfaction that comes from a healthy relationship with work means they would give up a portion of their salary, the report said. According to the data, Japanese knowledge workers were willing to give up the highest portion of their salary.
This sentiment is amplified in Gen Z and Millennials. “In addition to how the generations’ expectations have changed, the younger generations are particularly willing to put their money where their mouth is, with 93% of Gen Z and 89% of Millennial knowledge workers willing to take a salary cut for a better relationship with work,” the report says.
Gen Z and Millennial employees want empathetic and emotionally intelligent leaders who can create a culture where everyone feels they belong, the report said, and people want a culture where they can be their authentic selves at work.
Workers in the UK, France, Germany, and Japan are the least likely to champion their companies and recommend them as a good place to work, the report said. For organisations, that sentiment underscores the potential for retention and reputational concerns.
Inspiring change, building a better workplace
The companies also could face productivity issues. A lower percentage of workers who report a healthy relationship with their job consider themselves less productive or disengaged compared with those reporting an unhealthy relationship.
Here are some ways, according to the report, that leaders can drive healthy relationships with work:
Make work more rewarding and purposeful. Only 28% of knowledge workers surveyed say they feel their work gives them purpose, and even fewer (25%) say they have a clear path to grow their career. “Expectations have changed, [and] employees are placing greater importance on purpose and empowerment than ever before,” the report said.
Lead with empathy. “Senior leaders and managers must demonstrate empathy and stronger emotional intelligence — and will gain respect from doing so,” the report said. “Being professional no longer means suppressing emotional reactions.”
Factor in people when making decisions. Many knowledge workers don’t feel seen as individuals by their employers, the report said, and 70% of those surveyed said it was important that people are encouraged to prioritise physical and mental health above work.
Champion learning and development. “Employees are eager to develop their skills and learn on the job, yet are experiencing a crisis of confidence as skills needs evolve,” the report said.
Adapt work for all. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of knowledge workers are willing to take a salary cut to work somewhere that lets them work when they want; 72% are willing to take a cut to work where they want. “Effective hybrid workspaces with seamless transitions between locations are key — as is appropriate flexibility in where employees can work, according to their roles and the needs of the business,” the report said.
— To comment on this article or to suggest an idea for another article, contact Steph Brown at Stephanie.Brown@aicpa-cima.com.