People’s relationship with work is at breaking point, with leaders recognising they need to adapt to new ways of working but failing to do so, according to other employees.

While 66% of business leaders say new ways of working demand new leadership styles, only one in five workers feel leaders have evolved their leadership styles accordingly, according to technology company HP’s first Work Relationship Index study. The report highlights the importance of cultivating emotional intelligence and transparent, empathetic leadership in the workplace. 

Employees (63%) want to be encouraged to communicate emotions, and nearly all agree it’s important for bosses to show empathy and emotional intelligence to be successful as a leader. However, two in five say their company’s leaders’ emotional intelligence hasn’t met their expectations. 

The study, carried out among more than 15,600 global respondents across various industries in 12 countries, reveals 75% of knowledge workers have an unhealthy relationship with work. Workers’ wellbeing is being negatively impacted across all aspects of their life including sleep, diet, exercise and emotional wellbeing.

Employees’ expectations of work have changed significantly, particularly over the past two years, according to nearly 47% of respondents. 

The research examined more than 50 factors contributing to a healthy work relationship, identifying six core drivers: fulfilment, leadership, people-centricity, skills, tools and workspace.  

Employees yearn for fulfilment – purpose, empowerment, and genuine connection to their work – but just 24% currently experience these aspects consistently. The report recommends that to adapt to evolving workforce expectations, businesses must prioritise employee fulfilment through increased voice and agency.

Only 25% of knowledge workers say they consistently receive the respect and value they feel they deserve. Even fewer are experiencing the flexibility, autonomy, and work-life balance they seek. The report urges leaders to more visibly put people first and place their teams at the centre of decision-making.

Unhealthy relationships with work are costing businesses – 49% of UK knowledge workers feel disconnected from their organisation, 47% are disengaged from work resulting in reduced productivity, 47% are looking to switch their current job for something more fulfilling and only 33% see themselves working at the same company in two years’ time. 

Many (74%) are willing to earn less if it means loving work more. Some 89% of Gen Z would take a pay cut to have a better relationship with work, versus only 58% of Boomers and 69% of Gen X.