DHR Global released the findings of their 2025 Workforce Trends Report. Most notably, DHR Global’s report finds that 88% of workers reported feeling very or extremely engaged, but 82% are experiencing burnout. There are a plethora of environmental factors that impact employee engagement today, with over two-thirds of respondents noting the tighter job market and 61% citing job insecurity.
“Many often interpret high employee engagement as high satisfaction, but these burnout rates paint a different picture,” says Keith Giarman, managing partner of the Global Private Equity Practice at DHR Global. “From a surge in executive turnover to AI disruption, today’s employees and employers continue to be challenged. As employers chart their course into 2025, understanding employees’ perspectives will be crucial and this report provides executives with insights on the key factors impacting their employees' engagement and productivity.”
Key Takeaways:
- Over 8 in 10 respondents say they feel burnt out to some degree, with younger generations particularly affected. Top drivers of burnout include—long hours (58%), overwhelming workloads (35%), and difficulty balancing work and personal life (34%)—highlighting systemic issues within organizations. With 74% of respondents expressing trust in their leadership, but only 43% deeply trusting them, illustrating a need for company leaders to remain accessible and connected. The report shows that nearly all respondents agreed that professional development opportunities increased their engagement, showing a powerful return on demonstrating a commitment to employees’ growth.
- In the past year, half of respondents experienced the departure of a C-suite executive at their organization, highlighting a significant trend of leadership turnover. Fifty-five percent of those respondents said the departure of a C-suite executive has made them question whether their organization’s mission is worth believing in or working for. While 52% said it created operational problems, like delays and confusion over ownership of projects.
- Seventy percent of respondents reported AI tools positively impact their engagement and 72% report a positive impact on productivity.
- Sixty-one percent of workers agree that changes in their country’s political environment make them less engaged and more distracted at work. As political discussions in the workplace have evolved, leaders face the challenge of maintaining focus and cohesion amid a surge of external pressures.
