22.11.2024

Three in five frontline workers not satisfied with their employee experience

Job satisfaction, staff morale, and other key workplace culture drivers are poor amongst UK frontline sectors. This is according to HR, payroll, and workforce management solutions provider UKG’s, Perspectives from the Frontline Workers report, which reveal that 60 per cent of UK frontline workers are not satisfied with their current employee experience.

Over half (54 per cent) say they are tempted to quit on tough days, and two-thirds (66 per cent) say their job is not their passion and simply a means to make money.

UKG’s findings highlight a significant disconnect between frontline workers’ experiences and management’s view. 57 per cent of frontline managers disagree that their direct reports are dissatisfied with their employee experience; 63 per cent disagree that workers view their jobs purely as a means to an end, and 62 per cent don’t feel that their employees are tempted to quit on tough days.

This disconnect between frontline employees and their managers has seemingly contributed towards a ‘two-tier’ workplace culture. Over half (54 per cent) of the employees surveyed feel there is one company culture for them (i.e. frontline workers) and another for ‘everyone else’ in the organisation.

51 per cent of employees also feel their employer treats them like a number, not a person, whereas almost three quarters (74 per cent) of managers disagree that this is the case. Similarly, two in five frontline employees feel they are not treated with respect at work, a claim 71 per cent of managers deny.

64 per cent ranked flexibility within their top three most important factors when looking for a new employer. Almost a third (31 per cent) of the same respondents said the lack of flexibility in their current role would be their top reason for quitting.

One in five (20 per cent) feel they are never recognised at work by their manager, and a third (33 per cent) said this lack of recognition and rewards would be their top reason for quitting.

Not feeling heard is a common challenge too, with 32 per cent claiming the feedback they provide about their organisation has little to no influence.

Neil Pickering, Senior Manager Human Insights at UKG said: “The conversation surrounding workplace culture has picked up over the past 5-10 years, and today we hear a lot about flexible working, work-life balance and employee wellbeing. However, flexibility and wellbeing for frontline employees looks a lot different than it does to office-based, salaried workers, and this is where businesses seem to be falling flat.

“Two-fifths of frontline employees feel envious of their salaried counterparts, and many believe there is a ‘two-tier’ company culture taking place. This suggests that businesses may not be fully aware of the true wants and needs of their frontline employees. They may also be falling short in providing these employees with the resources they need to feel satisfied and motivated at work. As a result, frontline employees might not feel valued or on equal footing with the rest of their organisation.”

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