A study by HP shows that the majority of people worldwide have an unhealthy relationship with work. Expectations have changed dramatically in the last two to three years.

HP presents results from the first-ever HP Work Relationship Index, a comprehensive study of how employees around the world engage with their work. More than 15,600 respondents from 12 countries and various industries took part in the survey. Research shows that the relationship to work is at a breaking point worldwide and the consequences are visible everywhere.

“There is a great opportunity to strengthen people’s relationships with their work in a way that benefits not only people but also companies,” said Enrique Lores, chairman and CEO of HP. “As leaders, we must always reject the false choice between productivity and happiness. The most successful companies are built on cultures that enable employees to excel in their careers and thrive outside of work.”

Unhealthy relationships at work affect employees’ mental, emotional and physical health

In this study, HP worked with business leaders, IT decision makers and knowledge workers to understand the factors that drive meaningful, productive and meaningful work environments. The findings highlight the negative impact of an unhealthy relationship with work on an employee’s life and an employer’s business.

Consequences for the company

If employees are dissatisfied with their relationship with their work, this has consequences for the company:

• Morale and engagement: Employees in knowledge industries experience less productivity (34%), more engagement at work (39%) and more alienation (38%).
• Employee retention: Even when employees are neutral about their relationship with work, more than 71% are considering leaving the company. When employees are not satisfied at all, that percentage rises to 91%.

Unhealthy relationships at work can affect employee health:

• Mental: More than half (55%) of these employees struggle with self-image and mental health, reporting low self-esteem and feelings of failure.
• Emotional: These issues naturally impact other aspects of their lives. 45% say their personal relationships with friends and family suffer because of their poor relationship with work. More than half (59%) are too exhausted to pursue personal passions.
• Physical: Mental and emotional health can make it more difficult to maintain physical health. 62% of workers report difficulty eating healthily, exercising, and getting enough sleep.

The study examined more than 50 factors that contribute to a healthy relationship with work and identified six core factors. If you want to know more, you can download the full report here.