Fifty percent of U.S. employees are thriving in their overall lives, according to Gallup’s latest updated workplace wellbeing indicator. This marks a new record low since Gallup began measuring employee wellbeing in 2009. The rate of employees who were thriving peaked at 61% in both 2016 and 2017 but began declining in 2020. A brief rebound occurred in January 2021 as COVID-19 vaccinations became available and hopes of loosened restrictions grew. However, the downward trend continued.
Gallup’s Life Evaluation Index measures respondents’ perceptions of where they stand now and in the future. Thriving respondents have positive views of both their present life situation and the next five years. They report significantly fewer health problems and less worry, stress, sadness, depression and anger. They also report more hope, happiness, energy, interest and respect.
Employee thriving has implications for workplaces and business performance. Employers who develop a culture of wellbeing are likely to see benefits across organizational outcomes. For example, when employees are thriving in life overall, they miss 53% fewer days of work due to health issues and are 32% less likely to be watching for or actively seeking new jobs.
For more insights, read Gallup’s latest article on employee wellbeing: Despite Employer Prioritization, Employee Wellbeing Falters.
