State of the Global Workplace
This annual report represents the collective voice of global employees. In this year's report, we examine the role of work in employee mental health and wellbeing.
From Suffering to Thriving
In 2023, global employee engagement stagnated, and overall employee wellbeing declined. While both measures are at or near record highs, their lack of improvement is notable, as they follow multiple years of steady gains. The result is that the majority of the world’s employees continue to struggle at work and in life, with direct consequences for organizational productivity.
When you receive access to the report, you will be able to choose from two download options:
- Key Insights: Our "must know" findings from this year's analysis on mental health, wellbeing and managers
- Full Report: Key Insights plus global, regional and country-level data on engagement, wellbeing and more
Explore Key Findings
Here's what we know about how the world's employees experience work and life.
Employee Engagement
$8.9 trillion lost in global GDP due to low engagement
Employee engagement reflects the involvement and enthusiasm of employees in their work and workplace. Gallup has found that engaged business teams drive positive outcomes within organizations. Gallup estimates that low engagement costs the global economy US$8.9 trillion, or 9% of global GDP.
23% Engaged
62% Not Engaged
15% Actively Disengaged
"I could push it, but I'm so frustrated with the way things are going that day that I'm like, 'You know what I'm gonna do? I'm gonna do nothing.'"--Steven, Line Operator
Employee Wellbeing
34% of employees are thriving in their overall wellbeing
Thirty-four percent of employees were thriving in their lives in 2023. This marked a one-point decline from 2022, following five consecutive years of improvement on this measure. Also noteworthy: This decline was felt most by younger workers. Wellbeing among workers under 35 fell from 35% to 31%, while wellbeing increased for those over 35, from 35% to 36%.
"If I'm not doing well at work, I'm not doing well in life. It's just the way it is."--Emilia, Educator
Daily Stress
41% of employees experienced a lot of stress the previous day
Global employee stress declined in 2023 from 44% to 41%. This is the first time reported daily stress dropped since the pandemic in 2020, although it remains higher than the pre-pandemic average. This item does not directly ask if the stress employees experienced happened at work, although work experiences are a significant factor in daily experienced emotions generally.
"There are times when you come home, and you're very, very stressed. Very, very wound up, and I think, just the longer you stay in it, the more used to it you get."--Stewart, Mortgage Advisor
Daily Loneliness
20% of employees experienced a lot of loneliness the previous day
Twenty percent of employees experienced a lot of loneliness the previous day in 2023. Loneliness was higher among fully remote employees (25%) and lowest among those working fully on-site (16%). Hybrid workers fell in between (21%).
25% Fully Remote
16% Fully On-site
21% Hybrid
"I have not been able to go to any of my children's events due to work. We are here all day."--Nestor, Deputy Manager
Intent to Leave
52% of employees say they are watching for or actively seeking a new job
More than half the world's employees were watching for or actively seeking a new job in 2023. This is particularly relevant for employers who want to attract and retain good workers, since 54% of employees also think it's a good time to find a job where they live.
However, job seekers are not evenly distributed. Workers in Europe and Post-Soviet Eurasia are the least likely to be looking for a new job; Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asian workers are the most likely. Seventy-five percent of Sub-Saharan employees say they are open to or searching for new work.
"My work can contribute to stress, and it can also contribute to a sense of satisfaction. And they balance each other out to the point that I don't feel like I need to make a change."--Jack, Art and VFX Director
Thank you for your interest in the State of the Global Workplace: 2024 Report.
Choose the version of the report you would like to download:
Our "must know" findings from this year's analysis on mental health, wellbeing and managers
Download the Key Insights PDF
Key Insights plus global, regional and country-level data on engagement, wellbeing and more
Download the Full Report PDFLearn More About What We Know
Join Gallup's workplace scientists as they uncover the key themes and discoveries from this year's report, including guidance for leaders on what these findings mean for their organization.
The Science Behind Employee Engagement
Gallup's employee engagement meta-analysis -- the largest study of its kind -- examines the relationship between employee engagement and a range of key business outcomes. Download our meta-analysis to learn what we found.
The World's Workplace and Society Trendlines
Gallup is continually tracking the most important benchmarks of global progress for the workplace and society at large. See the current trends and sign up to receive updates when indicators are updated.
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Download the State of the Global Workplace: 2024 Key Insights or Full Report
After filling out this form, you will have the option to download the Key Insights of our analysis or the Full Report, which includes our Key Insights as well as regional and country-level data on engagement, wellbeing, emotions and more.