2026 Engagement and Retention Report

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The turning point in employee experience is here. Are you ready?

Only 1 in 4 employees feel appreciated. Just 26% are engaged. And fewer than half plan to stay with their current employer. The 2026 Engagement and Retention Report from the Achievers Workforce Institute reveals a workforce at a crossroads.

This year’s global research uncovers the critical drivers of engagement and retention in today’s workplace — from recognition and rewards to connection, growth, and belonging. With insights from 4,000 employees and HR professionals across eight countries, this report is your roadmap to building a resilient, future-ready workforce.

What you’ll discover

1. Why appreciation is the ultimate loyalty driver — and how to embed it into culture
2. The surprising gap between HR and employee experience (and how to close it)
3. How employee connection fuels performance, belonging, and retention
4. The role of managers, growth, and rewards in shaping career commitment
5. What’s really driving employees to stay, switch, or stall — and how to respond

Key stats that signal a shift

The data is clear: Employee engagement and retention are under pressure. More than half of the global workforce is considering leaving their current job — and the reasons go far beyond pay. Appreciation, recognition, and meaningful rewards are proving to be powerful drivers of loyalty. When employees feel valued, they’re not just more likely to stay — they’re more likely to thrive.

These stats highlight what’s at stake, and what’s possible when organizations get engagement right:

1. 56% of employees are considering leaving their current employers
2. Employees who feel appreciated are 17x more likely to see a long-term career at their company
3. Only 17% of employees feel fairly compensated — and 75% say removing rewards would influence their decision to leave
4. 85% of employees will repeat an action if recognized for it

Turn insights into action

Don’t miss the HR insights shaping the future of work. The 2026 Engagement and Retention Report is more than a snapshot — it’s a strategic guide for building a workforce that’s engaged, resilient, and ready for what’s next. Inside, you’ll find global data and actionable strategies to help your organization thrive in a time of rapid change.

Whether you’re rethinking recognition, redesigning rewards, or rebuilding connections, this report gives you the clarity and confidence to lead with impact.

Download the full report to explore what’s driving employee retention, the latest retention trends, and how you can turn appreciation into lasting results. Want even more insights? Explore the EMEA and APAC report editions.