Survey finds 42% of workers feel overlooked
More than four in ten UK employees (42%) say they feel undervalued at work, according to research findings published by employee benefits platform Perkbox on Wednesday (17 September).
The survey revealed that undervalued employees experience a 57% drop in motivation, a 50% decline in morale, and a 47% fall in enthusiasm.
One in three (34%) workers are considering leaving their jobs next year, and more than half (54%) of undervalued employees are planning to seek new opportunities in 2026.
Sarah Pittman, director of client partnerships at risk management business NFP, suggested that one way of showing that employees are valued is to ensure that work is as welcoming and inclusive as possible. She told HR magazine, she said: “Employees value workplaces that are inclusive, and where they feel valued, respected, and heard.”
They also value a workplace “where they can build positive relationships with their colleagues,” Pittman continued, adding that this can be difficult in a remote or hybrid work environment.
Speaking to HR magazine, Andrew Safo-Poku Jnr, HR director for cleaning and security provider Samsic UK, said: “Making employees feel valued is the cornerstone of a people-centric business.
“A workplace needs to be somewhere people can have a voice, where they feel welcome, know they can express their views, be listened to without judgement, and allowed to communicate freely,” Safo-Poku explained.
He suggested that employers create a framework for open dialogue, using surveys, workshops, conferences, meetings, work councils, and mental health first aiders.
Perkbox’s survey findings highlighted recognition as the top driver of employees feeling valued (it was cited by 53% of employees.) Yet 30% of workplaces currently offer recognition programmes, according to the survey findings.
Nearly eight in ten employees (79%) said they would feel more valued with a tailored benefits package, while two-thirds (68%) indicated that improved benefits would boost productivity. This rose to 84% among 25-to-34-year-olds.
Pippa Van Praagh, Perkbox’s vice president of operations, told HR magazine: “Employers are largely aware of the risks of undervaluation, from a looming retention crisis to a decline in productivity and employee wellbeing. But this awareness has yet to translate into meaningful, widespread change.”
Van Praagh added: “While a slight perception gap exists between employers’ optimism and the reality of employee value, the even more pressing issue is the action gap.”
To address this, she suggested “strategically deploying practical levers that employees have shown they desire,” such as fair pay, increased recognition, better work-life balance, or comprehensive benefits packages.
Working for an organisation that fosters a hybrid or flexible working approach is key for employees in a post-Covid-19 work environment, Pittman said: “People really value flexibility, working for a business where they can manage their time in an adult environment.”
“Employees value working for an organisation that provides them opportunities to learn and grow, one that is moving with the times and helping them to develop future skills in things like AI,” Pittman said.
Clear career paths and development plans that show how employees grow within the company can also help people feel valued and invested in, Pittman explained.
When asked what would help employees feel more valued, survey respondents pointed to financial wellbeing support (35%), recognition and reward programmes (30%), and health and wellbeing initiatives (29%). Employers echoed these priorities, though many admitted that they lack the resources to deliver them.
Safo-Poku added: “Making people feel like they belong and have a role to play in a setting where they are cared for and nurtured can inspire loyalty and promote a sense of pride in their work and the company.”
Representatives of Perkbox commissioned OnePoll to survey 4,000 UK employees and 1,000 UK employers between 12 and 20 August 2025.
HR Magazine – Emily-Rose Payne