UK Workplace Happiness Report 2026
UK employees are happier than the global average. So why are fewer planning to stay?
The UK Workplace Happiness Report 2026 draws on 24,129 UK employee responses and more than 552,000 data points to explore what really drives happiness, engagement, productivity and retention at work.
The findings reveal a striking contradiction. UK employees report stronger happiness and advocacy than global benchmarks, yet just 62% expect to stay with their employer, compared with 72% globally.
Download the report to uncover what drives the gap and where employers can make the biggest difference.
Inside the report you will learn
- Why belonging has such a strong relationship with happiness, engagement and retention.
- Why strong colleague relationships aren't necessarily translating into employees wanting to stay.
- Where UK workplaces outperform global and European benchmarks, and where they fall behind.
- The workplace factors most closely associated with productivity, including team dynamics, collaboration and energetic connections.
- How workplace experience changes across seniority, tenure, company size and work style.
- Practical considerations for strengthening belonging, feedback, collaboration and the connection between stated values and employees' lived experience.
Download the report
24,129
UK employees contributed to the research, generating 552,000+ data points
7.7 vs 7.3
UK workplace happiness is higher than the global benchmark.
62% vs 72%
Only 62% of UK employees say they are likely to stay, compared with 72% globally.
#1: Belonging
Belonging is the strongest statistical driver of happiness, engagement and intention to stay, yet UK employees score it 8.5% below the global benchmark.
The picture isn't as simple as it looks:
- +8 eNPS vs +1 globally: UK employees are more likely to recommend their employer.
- -14.3% collaboration: UK collaboration scores significantly below the global benchmark.
- -10.9% feedback frequency: employees report receiving feedback less frequently than the global benchmark.
UK workplaces have strong teams, committed people and relatively high levels of happiness. Yet weaknesses in belonging, feedback, and collaboration tell a very different story beneath the headline numbers.
FAQs
What is the UK Workplace Happiness Report 2026?
The UK Workplace Happiness Report 2026 is a research report analysing the experiences of more than 24,000 UK employees. It explores the factors that drive workplace happiness, employee engagement, productivity, retention and advocacy, helping employers understand what employees need to thrive at work.
Who should download the UK Workplace Happiness Report?
The report is designed for HR leaders, People Directors, employee experience professionals, business leaders, managers and organisations looking to improve employee engagement, retention, workplace culture and productivity.
What are the biggest employee retention challenges in the UK?
The research highlights three major challenges: low levels of belonging, infrequent feedback and poor cross-department collaboration. These factors have a direct impact on engagement, productivity and employees' likelihood of staying with an organisation.
How can employers improve employee engagement?
The report recommends focusing on workplace belonging, trust, inspiration and meaningful employee experiences. Organisations that connect practical support with recognition, culture and purpose are more likely to achieve higher engagement levels.
What role do employee benefits play in workplace happiness?
Employee benefits remain important, but the report found that practical support alone is not enough. Employees are most likely to thrive when benefits are combined with a culture that makes them feel valued, recognised, connected and supported.