Half the UK workforce believes their employer does not understand them

Fifty percent of UK employees feel their employers don’t understand them or their potential – higher than the European average of 46 percent according to a study of over 2,000 workers across the UK, France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands from ADP. The research found that 40 percent of UK workers are unhappy with the quality of leadership, with only France reporting slightly higher figures, where 52 percent saying they feel misunderstood by their employer. This was followed closely by Italy (48 percent) and Germany (46 percent), while the Netherlands reported the most positive results with only a third stating such feelings (35 percent). However, UK and European employees are more likely to feel their direct reports understand them better, with 61 percent reporting that their managers know and support them, and want to see them succeed. This shows that those working more closely together enjoy better relationships, which in turn is likely to lead to better quality of work and greater productivity. The lesson for businesses is that close relations between all staff, regardless of seniority, matter.

These findings are supported by other aspects of the study which demonstrate what motivates employees, what keeps them happy and engaged at work, and what makes them want to stay. For example, the research found while cash is the primary motivator for UK workers, over a third (38 percent) say they go to work for other reasons such as personal development, job satisfaction and workplace relationships.

Evaluating where a lack of motivation can turn into disengagement, the study also found that 41 percent of UK employees feel like quitting at least every few months – significantly higher than the European average of 28 percent. Two-fifths (19 percent) consider it on a weekly basis or more, again considerably higher than the European average of 13 percent.

Jeff Phipps, Managing Director at ADP UK, commented: “This research points to a worrying issue: British bosses do not truly understand their people and what they could offer businesses.  If employees don’t feel valued and understood, they are far less likely to be engaged in their role and productive in their work. As this research shows, money isn’t always the primary motivator for many people, and workers are often motivated by more personal reasons such as work relationships and career growth.”

Phipps continued: “While it requires time and investment, which employers may feel reluctant to give when they don’t see direct returns, it is always important to invest attention and effort in understanding employees. This allows businesses not only to learn how to utilise their talent in the best way possible, but to ensure employees feel their potential is realised and feel motivated to do their best work. Employers who fail to do this risk a disengaged workforce that doesn’t deliver, and potentially a high turn-over of staff.”