UK workers have lowest motivation

A new measure of employee motivation released by Korn Ferry found that 71% of global workers are motivated to go above and beyond their role requirements. However, in the UK, only 60% of professionals indicated they are motivated, while Indian workers are the most motivated at 84%. In comparison, 75% of US workers are motivated. The survey included 10,000 professionals in six markets: the US, the UK, Brazil, the Middle East, Australia and India. It took place during March and April. To bolster motivation, employers should provide the right incentives, rewards and development opportunities, said Mark Arian, CEO of Korn Ferry’s consulting business, in a press release. “Professionals who are motivated and feel excited about their work will release discretionary energy that will allow them to thrive and ultimately become more aligned to the business strategy, delivering more value to the organisation,” Arian said. Other global data points in the survey included:

• Motivation is highest at CEO level and lowest for those who are not managers. While 81% of CEOs are motivated, only 57% of workers not in management roles are motivated.
• Millennials are the most motivated generation, with 75% saying they are motivated. Younger Gen Z workers have typically shown higher levels than millennials, but according to Korn Ferry’s recent survey, they are now lagging. Similarly, Gen X and boomers have previously responded around the same level as, or slightly higher than, millennials, but the recent survey indicates they are trending lower as age increases.

Source: Korn Ferry & Staffing Industry Analysts - August 11, 2024