Are You Managing Employee Engagement as a Workforce Risk?
The WorkBuzz People Priorities: Future of Work 2026 Executive Summary reveals why engagement is stagnating, wellbeing is under strain, and what senior leaders can do now to reverse the trend.

Download the Executive Summary
Introduction
Employee engagement isn’t just a people metric — it’s a business risk.
This year’s research brings the employee experience conversation into the boardroom, revealing how misalignment between HR and leadership can quietly undermine performance, culture, and wellbeing.
Our Executive Summary highlights the key findings from People Priorities: Future of Work 2026 — giving CEOs and HR leaders a clear, actionable overview of how to manage engagement as a critical part of workforce risk strategy
“Disengaged employees are 21% less productive, and companies with high engagement report 40% lower turnover — freeing up over £500,000 annually in avoided costs.”
— WorkBuzz, The Business Case for Employee Listening
What You’ll Discover
Why It Matters
With economic uncertainty, AI transformation, and pressure for higher productivity, organisations face a perfect storm of workforce risks.
But our data shows that the biggest differentiator between thriving and struggling organisations is alignment at the top.
When executive teams and HR work in partnership — communicating clearly, role-modelling behaviours, and investing in employee listening — engagement strengthens, wellbeing improves, and culture thrives.
“When HR and leadership are aligned, confidence thrives — and so does culture.”
— WorkBuzz Future of Work 2026 Report
People Priorities: Future of Work 2026 Report
About WorkBuzz
A faster, smarter way to understand your people, uncover what matters, and act with confidence.
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Insight you can act on instantly - Manager-ready summaries and guidance to take action faster. and feedback that leads somewhere.
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Drive your people plan, inform exec decisions, and empower managers—all from one platform.
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Human at the Core
You’re not a number - and your people aren’t either.
Every account is supported by real people who know your business and help you move fast.
