Employees demotivated and unhappy, research shows

MHFA England’s latest research, among 2,000 employees, shows a significant number of workers feel a lack of inspiration and enthusiasm at work. While ‘Blue Monday’ is often billed as the ‘most depressing’ day of the year, the reality is poor mental health and low workplace engagement can affect anyone, at any time. 

These figures highlight just how important it is for employers to get to know their people. By taking time to understand your workforce - who they are and what drives them – employers can build cultures where employees are engaged, valued and performing at their best.  

The research also reveals junior managers are more likely to be unhappy and demotivated at work compared to their colleagues. 1 in 5 (19%) junior managers say they don’t feel appreciated for the work they do and 22% say they never feel inspired by their job. Only 4% of junior managers say they are bursting with energy at work each day. If managers are feeling undervalued, what hope is there for their teams? This dissatisfaction points to a systemic need for workplaces to change their approach. 

To empower workplaces to better support and motivate their people MHFA England has published My Whole Self: My plan for working well. It is a personal, proactive tool to help employees and managers identify what keeps them and their colleagues working well. The plan helps to create psychological safety, one of the key drivers of motivation, engagement and performance. By fostering psychologically safe workplace cultures, wellbeing, morale and productivity will soar. Teams thrive when all voices are encouraged to speak up with ideas, questions, and concerns, or admit mistakes, without fear of judgement or consequence 

MHFA England wants workplaces where everyone is safe to bring their whole self to work, if they choose to. My Whole Self provides a range of free tools to help organisations prioritise psychological safety. 

MHFA England has developed a range of My Whole Self activities and resources for employers to use throughout the year, for leaders HR, managers and employees.   

Workplaces are being encouraged to take part in My Whole Self Day on 11 March 2025 and start planning their activities now. They can access the new, free resource, as well as others, including the My Whole Self MOT and the My Whole Self: Managers’ Toolkit, to help build understanding of their employees’ lived experiences and identities and develop psychological safety.  

Sarah McIntosh, chief executive of MHFA England said, “We all have days when we’re feeling less inspired and motivated at work, but MHFA England’s latest research shows that for many employees, especially junior managers, this is happening too often, and it is impacting our energy levels, wellbeing and performance at work.  

"So, what can employers do to mitigate these worrying trends? It’s simple. Understanding your people is the key to motivation and wellbeing. My Whole Self offers employers the tools to create thriving workplaces and support employers on their journey to creating high performing and happier workforces. This investment in wellbeing isn’t just good for people—it’s good for business.” 

Dr. Melissa Carr, director of equity, diversity, and inclusion at the World of Work Institute, Henley Business School adds, “While organisations are striving to foster inclusive environments, there is still work to be done, particularly in supporting junior managers. 

"This research highlights how junior managers are struggling to feel energised and engaged at work, which is critical for their wellbeing and motivation. Organisations and employers can make a difference through providing meaningful opportunities to have a voice and contribute to decision making, by offering inspiring and purpose-driven work and finally, ensuring access to wellbeing and mental health support.   

"By addressing these needs and providing better support to junior managers, organisations can create workplaces where people not only thrive, but they feel valued and supported.” 

MHFA England is urging organisations across the country to join the My Whole Self movement by taking part in My Whole Self Day on Tuesday 11 March. You can  access free resources to start planning now: https://mhfaengland.org/mhfa-centre/campaigns/my-whole-self-2025/