The third edition of the HP Work Relationship Index (WRI) reveals that employee satisfaction may be up to 85% dependent on organizational actions.
Key Findings
- Only 20% of office workers report a healthy relationship with work in 2025 – the lowest level since the study began.
- The sharpest decline was seen among senior executives, with a 17 percentage-point drop year-on-year.
- 62% of employees say their companies have increased demands, while 45% believe profit is prioritized over people.
- Fulfilled employees are three times more likely to enjoy strong coworker relationships and achieve work-life balance – yet only 16% trust leaders to make decisions that benefit employees.
- 4 in 10 office workers use AI daily, and those with access to AI tools are more than twice as likely to report a healthy relationship with work.
- Gen Z and Millennials, now the majority of the workforce, are driving AI adoption, seeking greater flexibility and autonomy, and demanding value-driven leadership.
Work Under Pressure
The 2025 WRI shows employees struggling under increasing pressure. More than six in ten say employer expectations have risen, and nearly half feel companies value profits over people.
Yet the study underscores that 85% of satisfaction factors are within an organization’s control, suggesting companies can improve outcomes through leadership, recognition, flexibility, and access to the right tools.
Fulfillment Drives Growth
Professionally fulfilled employees not only contribute more to organizational performance but are also three times more likely to build strong workplace relationships and maintain work-life balance.
“The right tools and technologies double the chances of employees having a healthy relationship with work. Leaders must combine technology investment with investment in people – it’s this mix that drives engagement and loyalty,” said Andrzej Sowiński, Managing Director of HP Inc. Poland.
AI as an Enabler of Positive Change
The report highlights the role of AI in transforming the workplace. Four in ten office workers already use AI daily, and those with access to corporate AI tools are twice as likely to report healthy work relationships. However, only 21% of knowledge workers feel proficient in AI, compared to 56% of IT decision-makers.
Organizations that expand AI access through tools and training see measurable gains in optimism, productivity, and loyalty.
Generational Shifts Redefining Work
Young employees are reshaping the workplace. Gen Z and Millennials not only drive AI adoption but also bring new expectations:
- 51% of Gen Z employees report holding additional jobs.
- 4 in 5 Gen Z workers would trade part of their salary for greater flexibility and autonomy.
- They expect authentic, value-driven leadership and are willing to leave companies that fail to deliver.
“Young employees seek authenticity and holistic well-being – both physical and mental. To remain competitive, companies must build a culture based on three pillars: professional fulfillment, conscious leadership, and putting people at the center of business decisions,” added Sowiński.
About the HP Work Relationship Index 2025
The 2025 survey was conducted globally by HP between April and June 2025 across 14 countries: the U.S., France, India, the U.K., Germany, Spain, Australia, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, Canada, Indonesia, Argentina, and Saudi Arabia. The study included 18,200 office employees: 14,000 knowledge workers (1,000 per country), 2,800 IT decision-makers (200 per country), and 1,400 business leaders (100 per country).
Source: ManagerPlus.pl
