According to a new report from Robert Walters, almost half of workers in the UK say that their workplace has become ‘unrecognisable’ in the past 12 months, with 54% staff turnover. The study further revealed that less people are coming into the office (49%), and a subsequent decrease (43%) has been noted in the team social events.

In addition, a poor economic outlook (32%) and the appeal of moving abroad (28%) is driving workers to disconnect from their place of work.

“What is apparent here is the traditional tactics used to build a lively, inclusive, and social workplace culture are simply not cutting it. The hybrid-working world and subsequent decline in office attendance is having a detrimental impact on employee engagement and companies must act fast to keep employees engaged and attract the best professionals,” said Tom Fowlston, CEO of Robert Walters.

He further added, “Much greater focus needs to be given to the wider topic of employee engagement – which should no longer be considered a ‘buzzword’ or an intangible, immeasurable HR concept that is ‘nice to have’.”

Despite the focus on engagement over the last few years, it seems leaders will need to do more to tackle ‘the Great Disconnection’ and the impacts it is having on the bottom line. Engagement is no longer just a ‘buzzword’ concept, but a real consideration. In the absence of social events and high retention rates, businesses must carefully consider what it will take to ensure their employees remain committed to and interested in the vision of the organisation.