Very few people say they enjoy their work, HP study suggests

Just 15 percent of UK knowledge workers say they have a healthy relationship with work, according to the latest findings from HP’s third annual Work Relationship Index [registration]. The poll of more than 18,000 desk-based employees across 14 countries, including 1,300 in the UK, shows an 11-point fall from 2024 and a figure five points lower than this year’s global average. The report suggests that business leaders in the UK influence most of the factors shaping employee wellbeing, yet many workers feel their needs are not being met. Only 14 percent of respondents believe leaders show empathy, and the same proportion say leaders communicate transparently. At the same time, 41 percent feel their company prioritises profit over people, while 61 percent say expectations and demands have increased – the highest level across developed markets.

The study claims to highlight the growing influence of younger generations in shaping workplace expectations. Eight in ten Gen Z workers in the UK would accept lower pay in exchange for more flexibility and autonomy, including shorter working weeks and location choice. More than half already run side businesses alongside their jobs, while only one in four feel their workplace allows them to be authentic.

Gen Z employees are also the most confident in using artificial intelligence, with 86 percent saying they use AI at work and six in ten rating themselves as competent or above. By contrast, fewer than half of Millennials and only a quarter of Gen X employees report the same. With Gen Z expected to make up 30 percent of the UK workforce by 2030, the study points to the importance of flexibility, authenticity and technology in attracting and retaining talent.

The report identifies three areas where organisations can act: leading with empathy and transparency, investing in tools and skills including AI, and enabling greater autonomy through hybrid and flexible working models.

HP UK&I Managing Director Ruth Patterson said the findings underline the need for organisations to change approach. “By leading with empathy, investing in fulfilment and using technology to empower employees, businesses have a real opportunity to rebuild trust and drive growth,” she said.