Only a quarter of global employees felt appreciated at work in 2025, according to a new report from the Achievers Workforce Institute.
The survey, which polled roughly 2,500 employees and 1,500 human resources professionals across eight countries, found only 25 per cent of workers saw a long career with their employer and 34 per cent said they planned to look for a new job in 2026. It noted if 34 per cent of U.S. full-time workers switched jobs next year, the estimated cost of turnover could reach between US$1.3 trillion and $5.1 trillion.
The report highlighted widening gaps in engagement and retention. Three-quarters of employees didn’t feel appreciated or engaged at work. Employees who did feel appreciated and engaged were significantly more likely to find their work meaningful and to see a long-term career with their employer. Regular recognition from managers was also associated with stronger organizational connection. Only one per cent of employees who didn’t receive regular recognition felt connected to their work and they were more than twice as likely to plan to leave. HR professionals reported similar patterns, with only 34 per cent saying they felt appreciated heading into 2026.
Concerns around compensation fairness also surfaced. Only 17 per cent of employees said they felt fairly paid, and those who perceived their pay as fair were more likely to report higher engagement. The report found rewards influenced retention decisions, though many organizations still lacked broad access to rewards programs or limited who could distribute points.
Read: Just 41% of U.S. workers believe employer has achieved pay equity: survey
Connection continued to shape whether employees envisioned a future with their employer. Those who felt highly connected to peers were more likely to report engagement, belonging and long-term career intent. However, only 21 per cent of employees felt connected to their peers and just 19 per cent felt connected to their managers. Recognition, rewards and connection were identified as the strongest indicators of retention and performance, with managers positioned as a key factor.