Disengagement in UK offices is surging — and it’s hitting productivity hard.
A new study commissioned by Royal Voluntary Service reveals nearly one in three UK employees (29%) now feel disengaged at work.
Even more alarming:
31% say they’re dissatisfied in their job — and one in five have considered quitting in the past year.
The research paints a troubling picture:
- 34% say they feel stressed and burnt out
• 34% have become less engaged in the past year
• 35% feel less satisfied
• 28% report becoming less productive
Only 29% say their work feels meaningful.
Many blame heavy workloads and a lack of recognition, saying their jobs feel purely task-driven.
Sustainable business advocate and Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden says employers are overlooking a simple solution: volunteering.
“Employee engagement and wellbeing are cornerstones of a well-functioning business — yet they can be the hardest to get right,” she said.
“There’s an easy win many employers are missing though: volunteering.”
More than six in 10 workers say using their skills for community benefit would boost both job satisfaction and engagement.
Despite good intentions, a staggering 140 million hours of employee volunteering time went unused last year, according to the research.
Now Royal Voluntary Service is launching GoVo for Business, a charity-backed employee volunteering platform funded thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
The platform aims to make workplace volunteering easier, more flexible and frictionless — helping businesses tackle engagement, wellbeing and retention challenges.
Carole Urey, Chief Revenue Officer at Royal Voluntary Service, warned, “Disconnected and disengaged employees can be costly for employers. These feelings not only reduce productivity but can impact brand reputation and retention. Volunteering is a win, win.”
British workers are stressed. They feel unheard. They feel disengaged. And businesses could be sitting on a simple fix — if they’re willing to act.
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