Achievers logo Achievers logo

Engagement and Retention Report

Engagement and Retention Report

Get the latest insights from Achievers’ global report on what today’s workforce needs — and why recognition still drives the biggest impact.

Download the latest report

What the workforce is missing

The story from this year’s Engagement and Retention report:

22%

have access to growth opportunities

25%

feel appreciated or engaged at work

23%

can access the resources they need

Engagement and Retention Reports: Key insights

2026 Engagement and Retention Report

Employee expectations are rising fast, but many organizations aren’t keeping up. Now’s the time to understand what’s driving engagement and retention — and what leaders can do about it.

Download the latest report

Key takeaways

Only one in four employees say they feel appreciated or engaged

A lack of appreciation ripples through every part of the employee experience

Recognition and connection are the most reliable retention drivers

Employees who can work in the way they prefer are:

12x

more likely to find work meaningful

17x

more likely to see a long-term career at their company

2024 Engagement and Retention Report

Pay still matters, but it’s no longer the whole story. Emotional salary is becoming the real driver of loyalty, shaping everything from commitment to performance.

Download the 2024 report

Key takeaways

2 in 5 employees plan to actively job hunt

Flexibility is still the top reason people stay

Once basic needs are met, non-monetary rewards drive motivation

The impact of emotional salary:

72%

of employees would stay longer at a job where they feel valued and supported — even if another job paid 30% more

2023 Engagement and Retention Report

Flexibility at work is key — but not all flexibility is created equal. Employees who can work in the way they prefer are far more engaged, committed, and less likely to job hunt, proving that choice, not location, is what drives retention. 

Download the 2023 report

Key takeaways

2 in 5 employees plan to actively job hunt

Flexibility is still the top reason people stay

Once basic needs are met, non-monetary rewards drive motivation

Employees who can work in the way they prefer are:

2x

more likely to be highly engaged

22%

more likely to say they won’t job hunt

2022 Engagement and Retention Report

Employees are navigating burnout, labor shortages, and disconnection — and what they need most is support, recognition, and a culture where they feel valued. Today, belonging and meaningful appreciation are what keep people committed.

Download the 2022 report

Key takeaways

Two-thirds of employees are considering a job hunt

Feeling valued and supported is the top reason employees stay

Recognition and feedback are universal, non-negotiable needs

Out of over 5000 respondents surveyed:

66%

say they may look for another job elsewhere, only 3% down from the previous year

2021 Engagement and Retention Report

Employees are feeling stretched, disconnected, and increasingly selective about where they work — and many are ready to walk. Work-life balance, meaningful recognition, and action on feedback are key to keeping people engaged and committed.

Download the 2021 report

Key takeaways

52% of employees said they intended to look for a new job

Recognition is a key protector against turnover

HR leaders need to understand what drives engagement the most 

Why manager recognition matters:

20%

of employees say feeling underappreciated for their contributions is hurting their engagement at work

2020 Engagement and Retention Report

Employees are craving more support, visibility, and connection — and without it, many are ready to look elsewhere. Building a culture of recognition, connection, and belonging is what helps them stay.

Download the 2020 report

Key takeaways

Just 19% of employees consider themselves “very engaged.”

Perception of leadership is an element of employee disengagement

Career advancement is a major driver of turnover

How employees are feeling:

46%

of employees only feel “moderately valued by their superiors, while 30% feel “not very” or “not at all” valued

Engagement and retention around the world

Uncover the top reasons employees are job hunting in the UK, France, and Germany

Download the EMEA edition

Discover the trends shaping engagement across Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong

Download the APAC edition

On demand: Reports + webinars

Catch up on key takeaways from past Engagement and Retention Reports and expert-led webinars — all in one place.

Explore by topic:

            ROI calculator

            Turn engagement data into real ROI

            See the real cost — and value — of recognition.

            Calculate your ROI

            We use cookies

            We use cookies to help us understand how you use our site so we can show you personalized content and enhance your browsing experience.

            Learn more by viewing our Privacy Policy