Nearly 8 out of every 10 workers in Kenya were actively scouting for new employment opportunities last year, the 2024 Gallup report on the state of the global workplace reveals. The survey labels these workers as "disengaged," meaning that they only perform the minimum required and are stuck with their current employer largely because they lack alternative job opportunities.

"Disengaged from work" describes a state where employees lack emotional or psychological connection to their jobs, Gallup research explained.

Across Sub-Saharan Africa only workers in four countries emerged with a higher percentage score when asked whether they were actively looking for another job. At eighty-eight (88) percent, employees in Sierra Leone emerged the most disengaged, Eswatini (86 percent), Liberia (85 percent) and Benin (82 percent) said they are actively looking for another job in the Gallup survey.

Further, the survey indicates that for every five employed Kenyans, four are not motivated to exceed their job expectations. This disengagement rate cuts across the East African region.

In Kenya, only 20 percent of employees are actively engaged in their work, while 63 percent are disengaged and 17 percent are actively disengaged. The survey revealed that men tend to be more engaged than women, and those in managerial positions are generally more engaged than their junior counterparts.

Globally, more than 75 percent of the workforce is either not engaged or actively disengaged, costing the world economy approximately $8.9 trillion annually. This underscores the challenge of improving employee engagement. Some employment analysts suggest that companies are now focusing on "emotional salary" to enhance engagement and productivity.

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In the sub-Saharan region, 48 percentof workers report high levels of stress, compared to a global average of 41 percent. Women experience more stress (50 percent) than men (47 percent), and junior employees experience higher stress levels than managers. Employees under 35 years old report slightly less stress (47 percent) compared to those over 35 (50 percent).

Additionally, 25 percent of employees report feeling angry daily at work, with both men and women experiencing this emotion equally. Furthermore, 75 percent of workers are actively seeking to leave their current jobs, with a higher percentage of women in this category compared to men.

The survey further indicates that employees are not receiving the necessary support to excel in their roles. From essential materials and equipment to long-term professional development, many workplaces fail to provide what employees need to thrive. This lack of support may contribute to feelings of loneliness, anger, stress, or job searching.

Alice Ngigi, Life and Leadership Coach and founder of Alycer Coaching, comments on the situation, noting that in a country with high unemployment, such high disengagement levels are concerning.

She explains that widespread psychological disengagement leads to low productivity, which can be costly for organizations and that when employees do not see a promising future within an organization, they may become disengaged, preoccupied with job searching, or merely fulfilling their duties with minimal effort.

Ngigi asserts that employees who feel valued and treated well are less likely to become disengaged. They are more likely to continue performing their best, even if they are seeking better opportunities elsewhere.

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