2026 Report
Employees face more challenges than ever. This year’s report offers solutions to energize and inspire your people in a complex world.







This report charts a path towards shared success, beginning with the spark that empowers people to grow, connect, and thrive within the workplace.
This report charts a path towards shared success, beginning with the spark that empowers people to grow, connect, and thrive within the workplace.
As work and the world continue to shift in unpredictable ways, this year’s report reveals how inspiration can guide people forward—turning uncertainty into shared purpose, action, and success.
- Inspiration16%Only 16% of employees are thriving in their role
- Leadership38xIncreased employees will feel inspired when leaders and coworkers prioritize meaningful interactions, share insights and encourage new ideas
- Innovation5xIncreased offs of innovation when employees feel strong sense of hope at work
Explore Past research








Introduction
Workplace cultures are in motion and this year’s report examines the most pressing shifts—challenges and opportunities.

Embracing Change
Employees are 57x more likely to view change as positive when it's people centered. And that means giving them a voice.

Practical Empathy
When leaders add action to empathy, they can dramatically improve employees’ sense of belonging and connection.

The 80% Experience
A large majority of the world’s employees feel excluded and disadvantaged. What are the best ways to support them?

Equitable Flexibility
If the goal is to help all workers find more balance and fulfillment, then employers need to be flexible with everyone.

Cooperative Skill Building
Giving employees choice, time, and recognition for developing skills benefits both the individual and the organization.

Nimble Resilience
The pace, intensity, and unpredictability of workplace challenges now require more than blunt endurance.

Conclusion
Small shifts can make a huge difference in workplace culture. Here are 4 steps to get started.

Global Appendix
Explore employee and workplace culture metrics specific to regions around the world.







Join a successful community that puts culture first
Follow workplace culture trends and gather insights and leadership advice from the top research team in employee recognition. Sign up to receive actionable tips and useful content, never clutter.



