Global Culture Report
Organizational cultures change constantly. The O.C. Tanner Institute tracks, analyzes, and chronicles these changes so you can always keep pace.
Overview
Our ongoing research uncovers and examines the trends, statistics, and perceptions that are shaping workplace cultures around the world. See how organizations with strong cultures attract top talent, reduce employee turnover, and help employees thrive.
2023 Report
Introduction
Organizational cultures face several big challenges. Employees’ sense of purpose, opportunity, and success all fell 14% or more in the last year.
Workplace Community
A feeling of community holds many workplace cultures together. And strengthening it is the answer to many of the challenges organizations face.
Leadership at Risk
Mid-level managers are experiencing more stress, anxiety, and burnout than other employees, which has a dangerous domino effect.
Finding Fulfillment
Employees who reach a high level of personal fulfillment plan to stay with their organizations 3 years longer than unfulfilled workers.
Integrated Recognition
Only 21% of workplace cultures worldwide have recognition that’s highly integrated. What positive outcomes are they forfeiting?
Harnessing Symbols
The power of symbols transcends their meaning. Employees are 3x more likely to recall a recognition experience when it includes a symbolic award.
Rise of the Generalist
Evolving organizations need employees with a breadth of knowledge, skills, and experience. And these employees need opportunity and recognition.
Conclusion
Connection, belonging, and community are critical to healthy workplace cultures now. Here are four other points worth noting.
Global Appendix
Explore employee and workplace culture metrics specific to 18 countries around the world.
2022 Report
Introduction
Organizational cultures face several big challenges. Employees’ sense of purpose, opportunity, and success all fell 14% or more in the last year.
Hybrid Workplace
Work will increasingly be done where employees want to do it. And that’s not necessarily 100% remote. The keys are flexibility and connection.
Engagement Revisited
Despite billions spent, employee engagement has increased less than 0.5% each year for nearly two decades. So what’s a better metric?
Peak Experiences
By satisfying three psychological needs, organizations can create more employee peak experiences and improve numerous cultural outcomes.
Recognition
The probability of great work increases at least 18x when employee recognition is tailored to individuals and integrated across the organization.
Connection
Covid took a toll on interactions, but if team members develop above-average connections, their organization is 11x more likely to thrive.
Conclusion
The role of HR today is only a fraction of what it will be in years to come. We have four practical suggestions to help prepare for it.
Global Appendix
Explore employee and workplace culture metrics specific to more than 20 countries around the world.
2021 Report
Introduction
The average engagement score fell 2% and incidences of burnout rose 3% from the previous year—for reasons other than the pandemic.
Crisis
Unprecedented times conceal unprecedented opportunities to strengthen culture though transparency, connection, recognition, and inclusion.
Technology
Only 32% of organizations are culturally ready to adopt new technology. But it can have a powerful impact on the employee experience.
Recognition
Over the next decade, recognition will become more technical, personal, natural, and critical. Nearly half of employees feel there’s room to improve.
Inclusion
When cultures increase inclusive employee experiences and decrease exclusionary experiences, quantifiable outcomes like engagement and wellbeing soar.
Generations
We’re starting to see how Gen-Z employees compare to their predecessors. And organizations with healthy cultures are 16x more likely to retain them.
Leadership
Organizations that treat every employee as a leader develop the best leaders (at least 81% of them). They also build the best cultures.
One Last Word
Cultures where all employees thrive don’t create themselves. It’s a never-ending journey. Fortunately, we know four important steps to keep in mind.
Global Appendix
Compare employee engagement scores and culture metrics from countries around the world.
2020 Report
Introduction
Culture-building efforts and modern workplace trends created a 6% engagement increase, yet 59% of employees are still willing to leave.
Experiences
The employee experience is not what you think it is. Our study shows only 42% of employees feel good about their daily experiences at work.
Burnout
It’s the new workplace crisis. With 79% of employees suffering from burnout, it needs to become a top priority for all HR professionals.
Leadership
Traditional leadership is being replaced. Modern leaders use mentoring, connection, and employee recognition to inspire 86% more great work.
One-to-ones
Today’s one-to-one conversations go beyond performance reviews to help leaders and employees connect, share goals, and improve trust 276%.
Teams
Psychologically safe, autonomous teams produce 2-3X higher employee engagement, more great work, and a better overall employee experience.
Listening
Only 51% of employees say their company excels at listening to employees. Listening is more than hearing, and improves employee satisfaction.
One Last Word
The statistics about culture show the impact of leadership is profound. Leaders plays a pivotal role in building thriving workplace culture and impacting their company’s bottom line.
Global Appendix
See how worldwide employee engagement statistics vary and how employees feel about workplace culture across 18 different countries.
2019 Report
Introduction
A more diverse, multigenerational workforce, the rise of AI, and a lack of connection are the latest trends in the workplace disrupting companies.
Purpose
Only 66% of employees feel a sense of purpose at their organizations. Purpose must be heard and felt throughout the work environment.
Opportunity
One of the top drivers of engagement, opportunity means more than just raises and promotions. 52% of Gen Z employees prefer job variety over a promotion.
Success
Employee success is personal. But only 54% of employees feel like they accomplished something great in the past 30 days.
Appreciation
Appreciation results in more than just happy employees—employees who feel appreciated are 5X more likely to stay.
Wellbeing
Employee wellness should include physical, social, and mental health and wellbeing. Employees experience 52% less stress when companies focus on all three.
Leadership
Leaders play a crucial role in shaping corporate culture; unfortunately, only 57% of employees currently feel positive about leadership.
One Last Word
A great company culture is built through connection.
More Employee Recognition and Company Culture Resources
There are so many different ways to recognize, appreciate, and celebrate your employees. Here are more resources for guidance:
• Guide to Employee Recognition Programs
• 11 Employee Recognition Ideas
• 22 Awesome Employee Recognition Gift Ideas
• 9 Tips for How to Choose Employee Recognition Software
• Heartfelt Employee Appreciation Quotes to Say "Thank You"
• Benefits of Peer to Peer Recognition
• Best Practices for Virtual Employee Recognition
• Guide to Years of Service Awards
• Tips to Celebrate Work Anniversaries
• Employee Recognition in the Modern Workplace
• Victories: Modern Recognition Software
